“U-Skills was really cool. At first, I was nervous, but it quickly became one of the most exciting parts of my week,” Norris said.
He attended the U-Skills health programme, as he said he always had an interest in sports and exercise and thought it would complement his work as a football referee.
In the future, he plans to continue his studies in sport and exercise at a tertiary level.
Police pathways student Ngarimu Te Utupoto Teki Rawiri won the award for Improvement and construction student Kazin Hemmingson won the award for Dedication.
UCOL Te Pūkenga director of secondary and tertiary Hayden Robinson said it was great to hold the event after Covid-19 restrictions stopped them for the past two years.
“These events are special not only for the learners and their whānau, but also our staff who have supported them throughout the year. Our lecturers and transition coordinators work closely with their ākonga to help them achieve the goals, so we are incredibly proud when we get to present learners with their certificates.”
He said completing a U-Skills programme outside of school is a fantastic achievement for any learning, and the programmes were about personal growth as much as they were about learning vocational skills.
“Ākonga obviously gain industry-relevant skills, but the self-confidence, problems solving skills, and teamwork skills they develop are just as valuable,” Robinson said.