Certificate in applied technology (interior decor)

By JANINE OGIER

THE COURSE

The interior decor certificate offered by Unitec's Applied Technology Institute is designed to prepare students for jobs in the interior decor industry.

Graduates of the level 4 NZQA qualification can find entry-level employment in architectural and interior design support, interior project site management, kitchen sales and design, painting and decorating, plasterboard fixing, retail display and purchasing in the architectural and interior design field.

The programme is full-time Monday to Wednesday for 34 weeks over two semesters.

Students are also expected to do practical and written assignment in their own study time.

A wide variety of practical skills is taught, such as wall preparation, painting, decorating and wall covering installation, visual merchandising, kitchen planning, scaffolding and preparation systems, plasterboard and fibrous plaster casting and fixing, and health, safety and professional development.

Students also learn the theory of colour and history of interiors and decoration as well as interior space planning, finishes, furniture and fabric selection, drywall systems, and paint coating systems.

They are assessed for each of the nine courses within the programme by project assignments, a portfolio of work and written essays.

Graduates qualify for membership of the Designers Institute of New Zealand.

Admission to the course requires a minimum of four years' secondary education and School Certificate in at least two subjects, including a D grade or higher in English.

Otherwise prospective students can provide evidence to the selection panel that there is every likelihood of successfully completing the programme.

There are 16 places available each semester and priority is given to students who can show creativity and a sense of colour - for instance, having passed School Certificate Art.

The next course begins on July 19 and applications close at the end of June. It costs approximately $3735. Students also need to budget about $1000 for tools, drawing equipment, stationery and textbooks.

The certificate is an introduction to the field of interior decor and students can further their studies with degree and diploma courses at Unitec's School of Design, School of Architecture, and School of Construction.


WHAT PAST STUDENTS THINK

Jess Li, 35

Specialist painter

German Painting Ltd

Auckland

Graduated 2003

"I like interior decor and wanted to be a decorator and a friend told me there might be a suitable course at Unitec.

"The course taught me how to paint and the system of painting. It is useful in my job now.

"We were taught the techniques of painting, colour and painting systems.

"We had half the time in theory and half the time in practical work. It combined well together and was a good way of learning.

"When I graduated it was easy to find a job because people trust what I learned and they can see what I can do. A teacher introduced me to a friend in the industry and he gave me a chance to work with him and I could prove I was good.

"If I hadn't done this course I don't think it would have been easy to get into this career.

"Employers ask about your experience and I could show it."

WHAT EMPLOYERS THINK

Uwe Appel

Master craftsman

German Painting Ltd

Auckland

"The problem in New Zealand is that not many painters learn the job properly.

"They just open up a business and call themselves a painter.

"In Germany I trained for many years on high-quality painting techniques such as gilding, marbelising, wood imitation and stucco.

"This course is a good start. Jess has learned some specialty techniques - the rest he can learn on the job.

"If he had not done the course I would not have hired him.

"In one year students can learn the basic painting techniques. It's a beginning."



The qualification

Certificate in applied technology (interior decor)

Unitec

Phone: (09) 815 4321 ext 8916

Email: ltucker@unitec.ac.nz