Student Profiles

Aaron Greaves Diploma in Jade and Hard Stone Carving "Studying at Tai Poutini Polytechnic opened so many doors for me. It helped me see what other people in the industry were creating in their studios and factories and allowed me to hone my skills even more. I met a lot of self employed people at the course so when I came back home to the North Island I set up my own small workshop. Now I've got my own business and work from home while at the same time continuing my education by studying for a Maori arts degree. Studying at Greymouth was great. I love the Coast and it meant I could get out on the beach and fossick around for my own materials to carve. The best part of the Diploma in Jade and Hard Stone Carving for me was creating my own series of work. The challenge of doing that while having fantastic support from the course tutors was just great."

Alex Ensor Certificate in Professional Culinary Arts (Professional Chef Programme) "Since graduating from the Professional Chef Programme, I have worked with some of the world's leading chefs in renowned award winning restaurants around Australasia. The basic cooking skills I was taught at Tai Poutini Polytechnic helped set up my career. It was the perfect start for me and I still apply the knowledge that I learnt during even the most sophisticated of dining preparations. My favourite memory of the programme was participating (and doing well!) in Auckland salon culinaire chef competitions and the support I received from Alex. When I was younger I was really into rugby and hunting. Alex motivated me to apply my dedication and focus towards cooking and made it fun. He taught me the basic skills I needed to start my career and secure a professional position in a serious industry and I am forever grateful for that. I am now working in Jakarta as the Executive Chef for the exclusive Shy Restaurant - the job is unreal!"

Amy Tipling Diploma in Outdoor Instruction and Guiding "I'm in my second year of study at TPP and am on the Leadership and Guiding programme. It has been an amazing course so far. It was recommended to me because it offered more outdoor pursuits than similar courses including rafting, rocking climbing, tramping and heaps of kayaking. In the second year you get to specialise in an area which you like and so I've chosen rock climbing, rafting and kayaking because I'm looking at becoming a raft guide. I come from the North Island so I wanted to live somewhere different and the West Coast is perfect for that. I love living near the sea and there are so many rivers on the West Coast which means we get to go kayaking more which I love. I have learnt heaps with the biggest thing being how to calculate and manage any risk we take. It's about gaining experience and we are certainly racking them up on this course."

Andy Ruskin Diploma in Jade and Hard Stone Carving "After graduating I successfully set up my own business selling my jade stone tiki designs, both nationally and internationally. I just love my current self-employed role as I can manage a work life balance with my family here in Hokitika. Having my own workshop allows me to successfully produce and market my unique personal designs. I've been able to transfer all of the practical skills I picked up while studying my Diploma in Jade and Hard Stone Carving at Tai Poutini Polytechnic to the work I am still doing now. Studying in the South Island was a great start to my career in a perfect learning environment. My fondest memory of my time at the polytechnic was by far the people and the programme's uniqueness which I believe you wouldn't find anywhere else. It is a structured programme that fosters creativity. I plan to keep learning and creating designs of the highest quality and selling them around the world."

Anita Gillespie New Zealand Diploma of Business and NZIM Diploma in Management "If it weren't for the flexibility of TPP's business programme I would not be able to have enrolled because I work full time at Tourism West Coast. The tutors are so approachable and easy to work with and that has been a big part of my being able to continue studying while working full time. I moved to the West Coast about 15 months ago from Christchurch and I am now about half way through the programme which I started late last year. The content complements the business environment I am working in and has helped me up-skill in areas I already had some knowledge on. Marketing is a core function of this office so it is good for me to revise that knowledge and also learn more about the HR side of the business. I don't have any plans to move from what I am doing now but I am sure in the future this course will only help me progress my working career."

Ben Fisher Certificate in Automotive and Engineering Trades “I did the Certificate in Automative and Engineering Trades in 2011. I have always spent a lot of time with vehicles and race rally and speedway cars in my spare time. The course was a great way to get a job, through work experience I made great contacts and now I’m working in an industry I love. Plus all the stuff you learn you can put into practice on your own cars. The facilities are really good, with all the gear you need and plenty of room to work. It is a real buzz getting to use all the gear. I would recommend doing the course as it gets you through the first years paperwork and gives you a head start with your apprenticeship.”

Brad Robinson Certificate in Carpentry (Residential and Commercial) "I've always wanted to be a builder since I was young. I left school at fifth form and the TPP programme was recommended to me by one of the teachers. Now I've done it I would definitely recommend it to anyone else wanting a career in building. The programme was great because the classes were small and you get one on one training. You also often get three weeks of training at the polytechnic and then a week on the field getting first hand work experience with building companies. That's how I got the job I'm in now with John Griffin Builder. I doubt I would have got the job if I didn't have that behind me. What I really liked about the programme was the practical element. Each year students get to build a house on site and in our year we actually got to build the student accommodation for TPP across the road, and that's a permanent building."

Braden Manera Certificate in Carpentry (Residential and Commercial) “Every time I drive past Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s two storey accommodation block I feel a sense of accomplishment because as a student I helped build it. It sure gave us a good understanding of what building was all about. Most of my family are builders so I knew there was a lot of theory involved in an apprenticeship. It was a real plus to be able to complete the majority while studying at TPP. I knocked over the bulk of the bookwork with the help of the tutors which was great, now it’s just a matter of putting in the hours. I have just under two years to go to finish my apprenticeship.”

Brenda Foulsham National Certificate in Computing "I enjoyed everything about the International Computer Driving Licence course and there was never a night when I didn't learn something. I still use the tools I learnt on the course a lot now which is really important because taking a course can be a huge commitment. I was working full time and a single mum and had to drive from Murchison to Reefton once a week to attend the classes. Having a TPP base in Reefton was really beneficial for me. It is basically on my back door. I have also been to some of TPP's courses in Westport. The courses are really affordable and the expertise in Reefton is awesome. The tutors are so knowledgeable and helpful which really helps with the learning process."

Chris Hunter Certificate in Hospitality Supervision (Operations Supervision) "When I took the hospitality management certificate at Tai Poutini Polytechnic I got a job placement at a restaurant in Akaroa and ended up getting full time work here as a duty manager. I love socialising with people and in the long run I want to have my own coffee business. At the moment though I just want to get as much experience as I can in what I'm doing. The programme was great because they take you through the business side of hospitality so you get to learn about profit margins and what you need to do to run your own business. I chose the Tai Poutini Polytechnic programme because it was a smaller campus so we got more one on one teaching. I've heard at some of the bigger polytechnics you just don't get that with the tutors. The qualification is also a real good thing to have on your C.V. for hospitality because it guarantees you can get a good job all over the world."

Cody Hughes Certificate in Hair, Beauty and Grooming "The hairdressing programme was awesome; it certainly lived up to its reputation. We had heaps of fun on the programme, the girls were all great fun - we never had a dull day that is for sure. It was very practical and I apply things I learnt on the programme to my job every day. I am doing my hairdressing apprenticeship with Hairworks, and love it! It was a bonus that some of the modules such as banking and displays cross credited over to my apprenticeship. I always wanted to be a hairdresser and Tai Poutini Polytechnic helped me on my way to realising my dream."

Courtney Johnston Certificate in Hair, Beauty and Grooming "I always wanted to be a hairdresser and TPP helped me get my foot in the door. While I was on the hairdressing programme I went into Pizazz for a trial and ended up getting the job! I am currently working towards my apprenticeship and hope to complete it within the next few years. I love it working at Pizazz. The girls are awesome to work with, they make me feel part of the team and they teach me heaps. I find I am applying things I learnt at TPP such as shampooing, blow waving and straightening techniques and well as customer service skills in my job daily. Lynette the tutor is awesome, if you are thinking about enrolling in this programme I say go for it as you will have a blast!"

Debbie O'Connor New Zealand Diploma of Business and NZIM Diploma in Management "I chose to study the New Zealand Diploma in Business to extend and upskill my knowledge and apply it to my role as office administrator at Grey Main School. The skills and experience I have learnt at Tai Poutini Polytechnic have most definitely been transferable to my workplace. Living, studying and working in Greymouth is great. I do night classes which fit in really well with work and the learning environment is really friendly. I am really enjoying the challenging papers and the interaction with fellow students. The best thing about studying at Tai Poutini Polytechnic for me was the great tutors and meeting new people."

Dion Moke Certificate in Drilling - Non-Hydrocarbon “I was working on a production line for Fonterra when I decided to do the driller assistant programme, I graduated in 2010 and haven’t had any trouble getting work since then. My life is so different now, I am much more financially secure, I have made great friends in the industry, and have learnt new skills. Becoming a driller was one of the best choices I have ever made. I’m now moving to Perth as the package they are offering is really appealing. I’d encourage people to do the TPP programme as a way to get into the industry, it is physically demanding but if you are up to the challenges it’s a great industry.”

Georgia Wilkinson Certificate in Pre Health Science "The pre health science programme was my ticket into the Bachelor of Nursing I'm currently studying for in Invercargill. I wanted to take the Tai Poutini Polytechnic pre-health programme because I hadn't finished high school and couldn't get straight into a Bachelor of Nursing. The programme opened doors for my classmates as well, with some going on to study midwifery post graduation. Our tutor for pre-health science was amazing. Shar is the best tutor I've ever had and was so helpful. She gave us all the encouragement we needed and even though the science part of the course was online she was always there to help us out. A lot of us students appreciated that. Now that I'm in Invercargill I have also been able to get a job as a care worker at a rest home. I don't know if the pre health course helped me get that but I definitely wouldn't have got the job if I wasn't already training to be a nurse."

Jake Poole Certificate in Ecotourism “I got a job before I even graduated. I am now working as a tour guide and deck hand for a business which takes tourists swimming with dolphins and sea-lions in South Australia’s Baird Bay. Having studied eco-tourism really swung it for me. I beat Aussies and a few Kiwi’s to get the job. The course was really good, I learnt way more than I expected to, especially about plants and story telling. The Coast is probably the best place to study as you’re so close to the mountains, bush and sea.”

Jason Brownlee Certificate in Automotive and Engineering Trades "I wouldn't have got the job I have now at Coast Wide Honda if it weren't for taking the programme at Tai Poutini Polytechnic. I took the programme straight from school and nearing the end of the programme Honda rang up to see if anyone coming out of the programme wanted an apprenticeship. They recommended me and I went for an interview and that was how I got the job. The tutors at TPP were really helpful and really good at explaining the course material as well as giving us a hand if we needed it. Having the workshop to work in was really great because it we were able to get the practical experience we needed. With the course being in Greymouth I didn't have to leave the Coast and get a job somewhere else which was great. I would definitely recommend anyone thinking of getting an apprenticeship to do the programme."

Jenny Hanser Diploma in Outdoor Instruction and Guiding "I started out doing volunteer work at a camp which took me overseas. When I came home to Taranaki I decided to get a qualification in something which I love. I had such a good time at Tai Poutini Polytechnic. The tutors are awesome and I made heaps of friends and got to see so much of the South Island. The rafting and rope skills that I learnt during the programme set me up really well for my current job at the Peel Forest outdoor pursuit park, which I was lucky enough to get work placement for while still studying. My plan for the future is to stay where I am. I just love what I do and I would do it all again at Tai Poutini Polytechnic."

Kate Robbins Short Award in Hydroponics "I enrolled in the hydroponics course to try something different to what I am doing now as a personal assistant for a local consultancy company. I have always been keen to know how to grow produce and thanks to Tai Poutini Polytechnic I have fresh vegetables successfully growing at home. Over the ten night programme we learnt something different every day which I thoroughly enjoyed. On the last day we set up our hydroponics units and took them home. I loved meeting new people at the polytechnic and sharing stories about their growing successes. My long term plan is to do something on a larger scale. Perhaps supply to restaurants or set up a bigger unit on a farm here on the West Coast that I spend time at."

Laura Cashmore Certificate in Outdoor Education “The two years I spent in Greymouth studying were the best two years of my life, it was awesome. The location was perfect, it is not until you go overseas that you realise how amazing the West Coast is. I got really into white water kayaking, and loved rafting, ice climbing and rock climbing. The tutors are great, and incredibly skilled, they are really committed to the students and become like your family. Since I graduated I have worked in the USA, I was able to get a sponsored visa because the TPP course has such a good reputation. I am back in New Zealand now working in Rotorua guiding tourist and school groups, it hardly feels like a job.”

Laura McKenzie New Zealand Certificate in Nanny Education “I did the nanny programme when I left school. Since I graudated in 2008 I have worked for Barnardoes in New Zealand and have also been a nanny in Australia. In Victoria I worked for a family looking after a two year old boy and four year old girl. It was a full on job as I was a live-in nanny but on the up-side I was provided with my own car which I could use on my time off and my meals and living costs were all included. I also got to go to Queensland with the family on a two week holiday, but remember the holiday is theirs not yours, you do have to work hard but a lot of the time was spent on the gorgeous beaches which made it pretty relaxing at times.” I would highly recommend the nanny course at TPP as it is filled with fun and adventure. You met some amazing people and the tutors are great.”

Mike Head Certificate in Steam-Powered Vehicles “I have always been interested in trains, and also our colonial history. I saw the Steam School course advertised and thought why not go and do it. Steam trains are so alive, they have a personality all of their own. I loved the course, it was better than I could have imagined. The tutor Ian Tibbles is great and incredibly passionate. I live in Auckland but now I have graduated I still plan to continue visiting Shantytown and helping out. My partner saw how much I loved the course so now she is going to do it as well.”

Neil Burt Certificate in Steam-Powered Vehicles “I graduated from Steam School in September and would describe the experience as five of the best weeks of my life. I used to watch steam trains as a child and chased them as a young adult but I never had the opportunity to do anything about it. Now I am 65, have no mortgage, the family has gone and the timing was perfect. It was a fantastic experience doing the course, one of my absolute highlights. It is incredible being in control of a living, breathing piece of machinery. I would encourage anyone to do the course, it is interesting, extremely well structured and the tutors approach was outstanding. I learnt so much.”

Nick Yates Certificate in Civil Construction, Quarrying and Mining I was made redundant and had always been interested in mining so I looked at Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s Civil, Quarrying and Mining programme which was aimed at those wanting to enter the industry. I moved the family to Greymouth and did the course, it was a great way for me to get into the industry. The tutors were really experienced and I learnt a lot from them about the basics of mining. Now I am working full time in the mining industry and earning more money that I ever have. At the beginning of the year I was unemployed, and then a student, now we are looking at going from renting a house to buying one. That is a big change – it’s great. I am doing further study now and the qualifications I got at TPP can be cross credited towards ongoing training. I have no regrets about doing the course and would recommend it to anyone.”

Richard Bonar Certificate in Advanced Professional Culinary Arts “I was overlooked for a management position because I didn’t have a tertiary qualification so I quit my job and enrolled to study at TPP. It was a risk leaving my job as I was 44 years old but I knew if I wanted to progress in a career I needed to have qualifications. I was lucky that my partner was able to support me. I don’t regret it for a moment. In four years I have graduated with Diploma’s in both Business and Culinary Arts, worked as a head chef and I am about to open my own restaurant. I love being a chef and it is great I also have the business qualification because that helps with running the restaurant. I would highly recommend both courses.”

Steven Gread Certificate in Ecotourism Former delivery driver and labourer Steven Gread left Hamilton to study for a certificate in eco-tourism. The 34 year old says it was a spectacular learning environment. “I did an outdoor certificate in Hamilton last year and really wanted to get into guiding and heard studying eco-tourism was a good way to do that. The West Coast is incredible, I met some great people and we went to amazingly beautiful places as part of the course. I have now got a job as a guide on the Heaphy Track which I’m really excited about. I’d really recommend the course for people who love the outdoors and are interested in learning about the environment.”

Tuiana Davidson New Zealand Certificate in Nanny Education "I have always wanted to work with children and I have always wanted to travel which is why I decided to take the Nanny programme. I was really nervous initially about work placement but the families were so good and the tutors were amazing and supported me right through it. The programme also taught us a lot about communication skills which I enjoyed and we even did mock interviews for getting jobs. I'm currently working and looking after two little girls aged two and four. I absolutely love it. I wouldn't have got the job without the programme and it was pretty huge for my family to take me on after only a few emails and meeting the Dad once! Eventually I'd like to work on a cruise ship, then do my OE and then come back to New Zealand to complete my degree in early childhood education, where I can cross credit some of the Nanny programme."

Tyler Hossack Certificate in Civil Plant Operation (Introductory) "Attending the Digger School was best thing I have ever done. It was money well spent; I made it back real quick. I love working outdoors and the variety is just great. I am now on good money and would recommend the course to anyone interested in a civil career. I completed the Digger Schools Civil Plant programme in June 2007, and now I work full time for Concut Ltd in Canterbury. I travel around Christchurch with a truck and excavator working on small jobs and love it!"