Bright futures for UCOL Sports graduates

1 February 2011

All seven UCOL Certificate in Exercise and Sports Performance graduates have come from a variety of backgrounds but they all have one thing in common - bright futures ahead.

Two of the group, Anthony Edwards and Joseph HeiHei have both scored positions at Masterton’s Cityfitness gym as trainee group fitness instructors.

Anthony spent his early years as a labourer on an orchard and shearing gang, then in the New Zealand Army. He says the CESP course forced him to do more than just sit in a classroom. “I never liked school or schoolwork as I have always been a worker, not a learner but I enjoyed learning to do research and assignments.”

Nineteen year old Joseph chose UCOL because he liked the more practical approach to learning. Always keen on sports, Joseph especially enjoyed the amount of ‘hands on’ work included in the programme.

Samuel Adam is heading to Australia to seek a job in the fitness industry. He hopes to use his qualification to share his interest in health with others.

Single mother Rebecca Paulsen moved to Masterton from Christchurch to study at UCOL Wairarapa last year. Her studies will continue at UCOL this year as she embarks on a three year Bachelor of Nursing degree. “The CESP programme had a lot of relevant subjects that will help me in my nursing studies,” she says.

Thirty year old Aroha Geange chose the gym over the farm. “I was dairy farming for three years but it was impossible to participate in sport because of my work hours,” she says. “The CESP programme taught me a lot about nutrition but it was not all about theory. We did heaps of practical which was really fun and it kept us very active.” Aroha uses the skills she gained on the CESP programme as a swim instructor at the Russell Geange Swim Academy.

Jahana Ratima-Lambert began her association with UCOL Wairarapa as a Youth Tech student. Jahana says the small class size and supportive teaching staff made it easy for her to learn. As a youth leader in her church, she has been able to put what she has learnt into practice. Jahana’s graduation from the CESP programme marks the beginning of her study at Equippers Church Bible School in Auckland.

Mangatainoka born Matt Aitkenhead is waiting to hear whether he has been accepted into the New Zealand Army. “It is my biggest goal,” he says. Matt says he enjoyed every minute of the programme and admits he has changed a lot since the beginning of last year.

UCOL Lecturer Eddy Kuipers agrees and says the Certificate in Exercise and Sports Performance rewards students with far more than a qualification. “Our graduates gain a real sense of achievement and a direction for their futures.”

The Certificate in Exercise and Sports Performance Level 4 is a one year, full time course.

For Enrolment enquiries phone UCOL on (06) 946 2300.

ENDS

© Scoop Media