Training Odyssey

MEDIA RELEASE

8 February 2005

Training Odyssey

Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec) and Odyssey House have signed a training agreement to help increase the skills and qualifications of people working in addiction care services in the Greater Auckland area.

WelTec will train staff from Odyssey House and other drug and alcohol support service providers towards two nationally recognised qualifications in drug and alcohol studies.

Odyssey House CEO, Christine Kalin says that increased compliance requirements, including the Health Practitioners Competency Act, mean that their staff must have appropriate qualifications.

“A small number of our staff have worked here for many years and are highly skilled but don’t have qualifications,” says Ms Kalin. “Some people who work in alcohol and drug services have previously been clients. They have a wealth of skills and experience to offer but need formal training and qualifications. One of the primary benefits of this partnership with WelTec is the flexibility that will allow people to keep working while they are studying.

“Staff at Odyssey and in the sector are very excited about the opportunity and the possibilities. It will make a big difference to our organisation, our staff and our clients,” says Ms Kalin.

Odyssey House’s Workforce Training Leader Raymond Pattison says that WelTec’s certificate courses meet the sector needs. “The way the WelTec courses are structured mean that our staff will easily be able to gain a double certificate in general Alcohol and Drug Studies as well as specialist Alcohol and Drug Youth Work,” says Mr Pattison.

“We have invited other agencies in the Greater Auckland and Northland area to be a part of the programme. It has also been a catalyst for growing relationships with these agencies for other training in the future.”

WelTec CEO, Dr Linda Sissons say that the agreement is an extension of the already strong relationship between WelTec and Odyssey House. “All WelTec qualifications are practical and strongly based on current industry practices,” says Dr Sissons. “As Odyssey House is a leader in the drug and alcohol rehabilitation field we work with them whenever possible. Many of our degree students do placements with Odyssey.”

Odyssey House is a 120-bed rehabilitation facility that also provides non-residential services. With over 70 staff it offers a therapeutic community, a family centre, dual diagnosis services and youth services.

WelTec is leading New Zealand institute of technology. It offers a range of drug and alcohol and counselling programmes from certificate level to degrees in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Programmes start on 10 March 2006. Limited places are still available. For more information contact 0800 WELTEC.

ENDS

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