People Potential managing director Andrea Ross, third from right, and her staff after receiving the award.
Photo/Supplied
People Potential managing director Andrea Ross, third from right, and her staff after receiving the award.
Photo/Supplied
People Potential has won the best independent tertiary education providers award, beating almost 200 similar institutions throughout New Zealand for the top accolade.
The Independent Tertiary Education New Zealand (ITENZ) award was presented in Hamilton and recognises People Potential as providing the highest quality education across a number of courses.
More than 1000 students study at People Potential at its Whangārei, Dargaville, Kaikohe, Papakura and Hamilton campuses.
Managing director Andrea Ross said it was a fabulous achievement and gave credit to her staff for their hard work.
"We regularly try hard to meet the needs of students. Our staff work hard, they care about their students and that's why they deserve this award."
Her mother Sandra McKersey started People Potential in 1991 and now the business employs more than 100 staff across five campuses.
IT, hospitality and business studies are the main courses it offers, along with retail and customer service.
The New Zealand Qualifications Authority has given People Potential category 1 status that reflects its focus on priority areas such as governance and management, performance of all programmes at all five sites, and meeting the needs of the community.
NZQA said People Potential's courses have led to considerable success for Māori and Pasifika learners, both academically and at work.
"It has strong relationships with stakeholders, employers and communities, has initiated collaborative industry groups, and mentored and supported other providers to ensure that the local community need for tertiary education is me," NZQA said.
