Back to the future with class

NorthTec's Foundation Studies and Horticulture courses are an opportunity to study close to home. They are designed to prepare for further study and judging from the feedback, are proving popular.

Students can choose from Foundation Studies at Levels 2-4 in Whangarei, Kaitaia and Kerikeri (Level 3 only). Since the primary sector is one of Northland's largest employers, horticulture study is available to diploma level at NorthTec through a partnership with Lincoln University. The Diploma in Horticulture (Lincoln University) is offered in Kerikeri with part time and full time study options. Two women who have recently completed courses relate their story:

Melanie Russell - Horticulture
"I've gone from nails and heels to muck and gumboots. I love the physicality of horticulture. My tension and stress have gone."

Melanie had been book keeping in a corporate environment for years. "But I'm a farm girl. I wanted to get back to my roots. I came north because my then five year old daughter was here for Christmas with her grandparents and wouldn't come home!"

"Horticulture level 2 was my entry point and my plant passion has grown from there. I'm surprised how physically capable I still am."

"We all muck in together - literally. We have a great group of people aged from 21 to 54. I'm in the nursery strand so we get the advantages of being out in nature but with a glasshouse to tuck into in bad weather. The downside is the paperwork."

"Having to speak up in the course has been a challenge for me because I like to hide behind others. As a result though, I am a lot more self assured."

"The tutor is a brilliant role model and leader. She listens, pays attention, is supportive, and is one of the team." "I want to work in either a nursery or garden to get more experience when I finish, and maybe later study landscaping. Ultimately doing horticulture is a lifestyle thing for me. I want to provide good organic food for my family and live in a natural environment."

Sonja Holloway - Foundation Studies
"I did well at school then had children so was a long time out of study. Last year I decided I wanted something more for my future options than just working at a supermarket. I didn't want to fail by aiming too high so this foundation course is perfect because it's helping me recover study skills I had forgotten."

"I'm shocked at how well I am doing! I'm really enjoying it and find it quite easy. My son has just started college so I feel I'm learning alongside him. Balancing class time, home study, and four children is a challenge but the youngest has just started school so I can go to the gym in the mornings now."

Sonja has set physical challenges to match her new study habits. "Last year I completed the 160km Taupo cycle challenge and a week later completed a half ironman A.K.A. Ironmaori. Doing these challenges helped me to get my confidence up and get to where I am now."

"I wasn't confident at school. When I passed my first exam I could start to believe in myself and build confidence. Being part of the NorthTec class is also helping. It's a cool group with a family feel. I notice the older ones who have been away from study are more motivated than the young ones."

"I'll probably go on to study applied science or environmental science. My dream is to be a micro-biologist."