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BILL MULLINS – AGE NO BARRIER TO LEARNING!

When 56 year old Bill Mullins decided to boost his computer skills and gain some new qualifications, it was important to him to be able to study from home and not be required to sit formal exams. He discovered that Learning Post offered the courses he wanted and he could do it all from home. He is now undertaking his 3rd course and there could be more on the horizon! Read Bill’s story.

At age 56, Bill Mullins of Foxton enjoys expanding his knowledge and keeping up to date with the latest technology. Before joining Learning Post, Bill had last studied in 1991 when he undertook a Business Foundation Course along with a National Certificate in Business.

Needing to find a new job, Bill made the decision to upgrade his computer skills which he describes as being ‘pretty basic!’ “I believe that in this day and age, you really need to have good computer skills regardless of what job you want to do, or for that matter, just using the computer at home!” says Bill.

Bill has completed the Certificate in Business Administration, Levels 3 and 4 and has almost finished the Certificate in Computer Programming, Level 4. Not having to sit formal exams was a big factor for Bill in choosing Learning Post to study with, “I’ve never been very good at exams, there’s no way that I would have studied at this time of my life if it meant sitting an exam!” he says.

“Most of my study has been quite a breeze, it’s great that when I get stuck or make a mistake, I can just pick up the phone and talk with the tutor and get it sorted,” says Bill. But learning from a distance is not without its challenges. Bill explains, “There were times when I felt like chucking it in. I remember talking with my tutor, Karen, who gave me great advice. She said to just put it aside for a few days and have a think about it before I gave up. I did this and realised that I was just a bit tired and needed to pace myself a little better. It’s been very valuable to have Karen there motivating and encouraging me all the way!”

“Being able to study at my own pace has been great. There was a stage when I had to work fulltime while I was studying which meant putting it on hold for a bit. I just rang my tutor at the time, Vickel, who sorted out an extension and made everything really easy. If I had been studying anywhere else, I probably would have had to give up on it which would have been a real shame.”

Bill is now considering beginning Learning Post’s new course, the Certificate in Practical Accounting Level 4 and is keeping his eye out for a job where he can put his new computing and business skills to good use.

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JAY CARROLL - ON COURSE TO AN EXCITING NEW CAREER

After a long history of working in the fashion and hairdressing industries, Jay Carroll decided it was time to boost her computing skills. Because she was still working and needed to study when time allowed, Jay chose Learning Post so that she could work from home at her own pace. She was surprised to discover how much she enjoyed the web development aspect and is now planning an exciting new career path. Read her story here.

In her early 40’s and needing to advance her computing skills, Janeane (Jay) Carroll began studying the Certificate in Computing, Level 2, with Learning Post in 2004. “I’ve always been very keen on technology and knew how to surf the net and other basics, but I really needed to know more about Microsoft applications and boost my computing skills” Jay explains.

Because Jay was in fulltime employment in the fashion industry, she made enquiries within her region to find a distance learning centre that offered the courses she needed. “Most other places required a certain amount of class time which was just not an option for me. Learning Post was the only centre that allowed me to study totally from home at my own pace.”

Soon after completing her Certificate in Computing, Jay began working as a sales rep for an international company and was soon promoted to Business Development Manager. Her new job meant that she was flying all over the country. Because her husband’s job also required him to travel, they found they were seeing very little of each other. In late 2007, Jay made the decision to study for a Certificate in Web & Database Design, Level 4. It has been the first step toward an exciting new career that will allow her to be self-employed in a role she loves, and have more time with her husband.

“I had touched on the web side of things through the Certificate in Computing course and really enjoyed it,” says Jay, “I absolutely love learning about web development, in fact, I often feel as though it is more of a fun hobby than study! They say that the best job you can ever do is one that doesn’t feel like work which is a bit of a dream for most of us, but the course is just that – I’m thoroughly enjoying it.”

The Certificate in Web & Database Design is designed as a two-year part time course, but Jay is powering through the course and completed the first year within 6 months while still working part-time. Now that she has finished working, she aims to complete the second year within 6 months also.

“One of the great things about studying with Learning Post is the level of positive feedback you receive. As adults, we don’t often get positive reinforcement on a day-to-day basis, but studying is a great way to gain a sense of achievement and self-confidence. My tutors - Lynette for the first course and Kate for the current course - have both been terrific. Unlike a classroom situation where there is one teacher and a room full of students, at Learning Post, you receive one-on-one attention from your tutor. I’ve never felt silly or awkward about asking questions or clarifying tasks – the tutors are always right there on the phone, MSN or email and are very good at explaining things so they’re easy to understand.”

Jay is now planning her own web-building business. She aims to develop websites for the industries that she has had experience working within, and for those who find the technology side of the internet a little overwhelming. She already has a growing list of clients who want a website developed.

“I’d thoroughly recommend Learning Post to anyone out there who is thinking about studying computing and wants a great course, great materials and fantastic tutors. Learning Post has opened the door to a whole new world for me, one that I never imagined being a part of and I love it!”

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KIPI SARICH – USING DATABASES TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER

With a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology under his belt, Kipi Sarich decided it was time to gain some skills in another area of interest – website design. He has completed Learning Post’s Certificate in Web and Database Design Level 4 which opened up some exciting new opportunities, both in his career and personal life.

When Kipi Sarich had to withdraw from his distance learning course through Auckland University because of changes to the student allowance system, his search for another learning provider led him to Learning Post. Living in the outskirts of Dargaville made distance learning the ideal way to gain the qualifications Kipi needed without having to relocate or travel.

“I came across the Learning Post website and was impressed with what was on offer,” says Kipi. With an interest in web design, the Certificate in Web and Database Design Level 4 was the ideal choice and Kipi began in 2003. “The course was great, I really enjoyed the material and the tutor support was just incredible. Kate Crossley’s encouragement and motivation was invaluable, it really makes all the difference to know there is always help at your fingertips,” he says.

Soon after qualifying with his Certificate in Web and Database Design, Kipi had a few temporary roles that allowed him to test out some of his new skills. The first was working within the office of a local primary school. “My course had given me strong skills in Excel, word-processing and other office skills which came in very handy.” Next, Kipi was offered an administrative role for Youth Justice which helps young boys between the ages of 13-18 who have dropped out of school.

In September 2006, Kipi spotted a job vacancy for an Information Administrator at Kaipara Care Incorporated (a primary health organization). Kipi applied for the job and was absolutely thrilled to land the role.

Kipi was required to administer 6 SQL databases holding clinical information for the free annual diabetes check for all Northland people with diabetes. Kaipara Care’s CEO, Chris Tipa, has been very pleased with Kipi’s abilities, “Kipi has been required to work with imperfect and complex systems. He is a skilled user of Microsoft Office and a number of other programmes and has good Access and Excel skills and has also administered our Counselling payments database,” he says.

With a Certificate in Seafood Fisheries Management and a strong interest in ecology, biology and water conservation, Kipi now plans to put his database skills to use in a number of ways around the Northland area. “I’d like to be able to merge the databases between the 14 Marae in my Hapu (Te Uri O Hau) and 34 Marae in my Iwi (Ngati Whatua) so that we have one database where we can keep all our stakeholders, beneficiaries and descendants. We can then share this information in a modern, safe and secure internet network,” he says.

Kipi has since resigned from his position at Kaipara Care to enrol in the Diploma in Computing Level 5, which he will complete fulltime over one year. “I’m really looking forward to the course, I’ve already done much of the practical work through my previous employment, so I’m looking forward to getting my diploma from Learning Post and putting my skills to good use in the future.”

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KIRSTEN LEWIS – DISTANCE LEARNING BRINGS CONFIDENCE AND OPPORTUNITY

Having suffered from anxiety and depression, Kirsten Lewis knew that to gain the skills and qualifications that she needed to get back into the workforce, she would need to study from the comfort and convenience of her own home. She discovered that Learning Post’s great selection of courses and tutor support offered exactly what she needed.

Like many New Zealanders, Kirsten Lewis has suffered from the debilitating effects of depression and anxiety. Her condition meant that she found it difficult to leave the house for long periods and be part of a traditional work or study environment.

As Kirsten slowly gained more confidence, she began to think about possible careers and work options. Determined to give herself the skills she needed to open up those options, Kirsten looked to Learning Post as the ideal way to gain new skills without having to commit to a classroom environment. “I looked around at other distance learning options, but many of them required me to attend a set amount of classes which just wasn’t suitable. But Learning Post provides everything needed including incredible tutor support without having to travel anywhere.”

Kirsten began studying with Learning Post in 2004 and has completed the National Certificate in Business Administration and Computing Level 3, and the Certificate in Web and Database Design Level 4. Her most recent course is the National Certificate in Business Administration Level 4. “I was surprised at how easy it has been to study via distance learning” says Kirsten. “My tutor, Kate, has been fantastic. I’ve been able to call her at any stage and clarify a question or ask for help.”

The National Certificate in Business Administration offers two core courses in computing and workplace skills followed by a database or web design elective and gives students the advanced skills needed to be fully competent in an advanced administrative role.

Toward the end of her current course, Kirsten was delighted to discover that she was expecting a baby and has put her study on hold to focus on the impending arrival! She is however, looking forward to beginning work when the time is right, “Studying through Learning Post has given me a great deal of confidence and I’m sure that I’ll pursue further study a little later down the track.”

Recent research has shown that approximately 1 in 23 New Zealanders suffer from some form of anxiety. Many sufferers have difficulty in social situations including classrooms, seminars and study groups. Learning Post allows those who find social situations difficult to continue learning, gain confidence and have access to opportunities that changes lives.

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TIA ROUTLEDGE – MUM OF 5 SHOWS HOW IT’S DONE!

When Tia Routledge began studying with Learning Post, she had no idea that life was about to throw her a few ‘curve-balls!’ Not only did she have two babies within 11 months, she also lost her mum to terminal cancer and experienced one of her babies going through several surgeries. Tia credits Learning Post’s flexibility and fantastic tutor support for ensuring that she was able to continue studying and complete her qualification as time allowed. Read her story here.

Tia Routledge was working as a medical receptionist at a busy Accident and Medical Centre in the sunny Hawkes Bay when she made the decision to further her education in computing and IT.

After doing her research, Tia found that Learning Post was the only institute that allowed her to study the course she wanted, a Certificate in Web & Database Design Level 4, from home so that she could still be with her children and study at her own pace.

Tia had planned to complete the course over one year, however a number of unexpected circumstances meant that she needed to extend her study over two years. “The flexibility that Learning Post offers meant it was no trouble at all to continue studying at a slower pace. It took the pressure off and allowed me to still get my qualification without having to feel stressed or worried about everything else that needed my attention” she says.

“As a mum, being home with my children is crucial. Being able to enhance my computer knowledge at the same time was ideal. It meant that I could study as time allowed – when the children were at school, asleep or just giving me a few minutes! If I had to find childcare, travel to classes and commit to a schedule, then there’s no way that it would have happened!”

One of the things that Learning Post’s students often discover is that life throws many unexpected hurdles along the path of learning. Tia is certainly no exception, in fact she describes her time with Learning Post as one of ‘Two Babies, One Surgery and a Funeral!’ While Tia was studying, her mum was sadly diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer and passed away in March 2005, about six months into Tia’s course. “I was having time off work regularly and travelling to Auckland on a monthly basis for a week at a time, but I still had contact with my tutor, Kate, and was able to take my workbooks with me.”

In December of that year, Tia gave birth to a baby girl and baby boy in November the next year! “My last baby’s birth was not complicated but he was born with bi-lateral club-feet and has had to undergo two surgeries already.” All the while, Tia studied when able and found the support of her tutor to be immensely valuable.

“Kate was so incredibly patient with me and very understanding of everything that I was going through while studying. I needed a few extensions which were no trouble to arrange. Kate was always at the other end of the phone when I needed her and this made studying at home a breeze. If Kate was unavailable there was always someone else there that could help me.”

“I truly believe that after everything that I’ve been through, I can now do anything! Completing my course has given me a great sense of achievement, I feel very confident with computers and can’t wait to see what’s around the corner next!”

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MICHELLE MCCALLUM – CREATING HER OWN DESTINY WITH LEARNING POST

When Michelle McCallum’s husband ‘up and left’, leaving her on a benefit with young children to care for, she decided to take action. Michelle had little computer experience but knew that she needed to get some skills and qualifications under her belt in order to land a suitable job. Because leaving her children to attend classes wasn’t something she felt comfortable with, Michelle turned to Learning Post to gain the qualifications she needed from home. Read her story here.

Before joining Learning Post, Michelle McCallum’s husband at the time had just left, leaving her with small children and the need to do something to get her off the benefit and feeling good about herself.

Michelle had looked through the job vacancy adverts in the paper and realized that most of them required someone with experience in Microsoft applications and computer skills – neither of which she had. Having just bought her first computer, Michelle decided it was the perfect time to take a course in computing and looked to Learning Post for help.

Michelle saw Learning Post’s website and was pleased with the selection of NZQA approved courses on offer. In 2002, Michelle did her Certificate in Business Applications in just under a year before doing a National Certificate in Computing Level 3, followed by Level 4 and a Certificate in Web Authoring and Database Design.

“The biggest challenge was staying focused and getting assignments in on time, but with such brilliant tutors it was not that difficult. They always offered valuable feedback and were incredibly encouraging. Above all, they were very helpful whenever I was stuck or needed help,” says Michelle.

Michelle made the time for her study by setting aside an hour each night after her children were in bed and devoting it to her study. And the rewards of her study are always nearby, “the certificates hanging on my wall are a constant reminder of my achievements and a great reward. I’m also able to help my children with their computer studies which helps them to get ahead at school,” she says.

Michelle’s study gave her the confidence and qualifications to go out and get a job. She now works as a receptionist for a carpet cleaning company which also allows her to work from home. “The boss felt if I was able to successfully complete a correspondence course, then he was happy to give me a trial at working from home, which I’ve now been doing for 3 years. He’s very impressed at my commitment to the job which I don’t think I would have had if I hadn’t had the experience of distance learning and the self discipline it requires,” she says.

“The courses all filled a need and the Web Authoring and Database Design course allowed me to create a basic website for the business where I’m working,” Michelle explains. “I use Microsoft all the time in my current role, having the qualifications and skills has made my job so much simpler!”

The future is certainly looking bright for Michelle, with aspirations to become an accountant and own her own business, she is currently doing her NCEA levels in accounting. “I want to plan for my future and this allows me to move in the right direction without having to sacrifice the things that are important to me right now,” she says.