Healthcare graduates enjoy bright prospects

Training For You healthcare tutor Vanessa Seconi with graduate Samantha Ellison.

Whanganui tertiary provider Training For You has recently celebrated the success of 12 graduates from their 13-week healthcare programme.

Seven of the graduates have since moved into full-time employment while three others have secured part-time roles.

Training For You's marketing and promotions manager, Karen Hughes, said the healthcare programme was well-placed to meet the increasing demand for services.

"The programme provides students the opportunity to gain the National Certificate in Health, with foundation skills in disability and aged support."

The Level 2 programme is free to Work and Income clients, and to youth aged between 16 and 19. The 13-week programme includes 80 hours of work experience which takes place during scheduled class time.

Course tutor Vanessa Seconi has been teaching at Training For You for two years after a 20-year career in healthcare management.

Recent graduate Samantha Ellison, now working in the community with Healthcare NZ, said she was inspired by Ms Seconi to succeed in the course.

"If it weren't for Vanessa, I wouldn't have found this passion and I would still be stuck in my waiting place," she said.

Other graduates have secured work with Te Oranganui Iwi Health Authority, Broadview Rest Home, Healthcare NZ, Nazareth Rest Home, New Vista Rest Home and Summerset Care.

New Vista Rest Home and Hospital facility manager Robyn Williams said it was good to employ workers trained in Whanganui.

"We've found it to be quite beneficial, it's good for us," she said.

Fiapaipai Cassereley graduated from the Training For You healthcare programme in June and is now working towards her Bachelor of Nursing degree at UCOL Whanganui.

Training For You offers on-campus and distance learning options for early childhood education, teacher aiding, equine, business administration and computing, healthcare and working with children, as well as the certificate in adult literacy and numeracy education qualification for vocational tutors and workplace trainers.

Enrolments are open for the next semester.