23 June 2014
Protocol Delivers More Student Choice in Porirua, the Kapiti Coast and Hutt Valley
Whitireia and WelTec’s Choice Protocol partnership is really gaining momentum providing students with more study options
across the Wellington region.
“Both Whitireia and ourselves are taking programmes for which we are reknowned and delivering them in locations where we
have been requested to do so by industry and where there is strong student demand,” says Linda Sissons WelTec’s Chief
Executive. “Delivering at each other’s respective campuses is one of the key benefits of WelTec and Whitireia working
together. An example is our Certificate in Foundation Studies (Painting) at level 3. Students usually go on to complete
the Decorating Certificate which means they have the necessary qualification to enter industry and continue on with
their studies to gain an apprenticeship or cadetship. We will be offering painting at Porirua in July and if there is
sufficient student demand we could offer the Decorating Certificate. There are certainly plenty of jobs for people who
want to work as painters and decorators.”
The National Certificate in Electrical Engineering, available to those working in industry who want to become a
registered electrician is also being offered in Porirua at Whitireia’s Mohuia Campus. “We were approached by Mark
Brosnahan of Brien Electrical on the Kapiti Coast to offer night classes for his staff closer to the Kapiti Coast. We
recently brokered a student into work with Brien Electrical. We’re delighted to lend a helping hand to Mark and the
other Kapiti/Porirua based companies who do so much for the major projects on the Coast. When students complete this
qualification they can apply to the Electrical Workers Registration Board to become a registered electrician. The
programme is offered as four hours study per week (taught over one or two evenings) and a one or two week block course.”
“We’re also offering a second intake for the the National Certificate in Health Disablity and Aged Support which will
start on 12 August at Whitireia’s Kapiti Campus. This is a really important qualification for people working in
disability, aged care and rest home care. Students attend classes for one day per week and then are visited in the
workplace where they are assessed. Teaching is undertaken by mental health professionals with the programme running over
17 weeks. The Intellectual Disability (ID) Service Education arm of Capital Coast Health says this programme is esential
for anyone working or wanting to work in this sector,” says Linda Sissons.
At WelTec’s campus in Petone, people from the Hutt Valley interested in Health Sciences can undertake Whitireia’s
Certificate in Foundation Studies – Health Science. “Graduates of this programme can apply for Health degree programmes,
such as Whitieria’s highly regarded degrees in Nursing and Paramedicine,” says Whitireia Chief Executive Don Campbell.
“With this range of programmes we want to provide wider study options for people in Porirua, the Kapiti Coast and the
Hutt Valley. We want to let employers know that they can upskill their workforce without their staff having to travel
very far to attend classes. Employers should approach us if they would like to see other programmes being offered
locally. Through the Choice Protocol WelTec and Whitireia will be working hard to meet the needs of employers and
students,” says Linda Sissons.
ENDS
PROGRAMMES ON OFFER
National Certificate in Health, Disability and Aged Support – Tuesdays at the Whitireia Kāpiti Campus, Corner Milne
Drive and Kāpiti Road, Paraparaumu starts on 12 August.
Painting level 3 – Porirua Campus starting on 14 July, Whitireia’s Mohuia Campus, Porirua
National Certificate Electrical Engineering (level 2, 3, and 4) Whitireia’s Mohuia Campus, Porirua starts on 14 July
National Certificate in Foundation Studies - Health Science (level 4) WelTec’s Petone Campus
BACKGROUND
WelTec and Whitireia are partners in The Choice Protocol, a strategic partnership providing students across the Wellington region with educational opportunities.
Information about The Choice Protocol can be found at http://www.thechoiceprotocol.ac.nz/