Partnering up for community’s carers

Media Release

5 August 2013

Partnering up for community’s carers

A group of students enrolled in the new jointly delivered National Certificate in Health, Disability and Aged Support were last week welcomed to Horowhenua Learning Centre (HLC) by representatives from UCOL’s Faculty of Health Science, and HLC.

The 22 students officially started the programme last Monday, marking the beginning of a new strategic partnership between UCOL and HLC.

UCOL Faculty of Health Science Executive Dean Penny O’Leary says UCOL has been working with HLC to identify unmet needs for education and employment. “Findings included a need for education in the area of health, disability and aged support which will enhance employment opportunities within the aged care sector in this region. Security training was also identified to boost an identified unmet regional need for security workers at entry level.”

The two organisations will together run the National Certificate in Health, Disability and Aged Support (Core Competencies) Level 3 in Horowhenua and surrounding region, and the National Certificate in Security (Site Security) in Palmerston North.

“The launch of these new programmes shows how UCOL can pursue collaborative projects to improve educational access, pathways and achievement.”

HLC Chief Executive Alan O’Beirne says HLC is delighted to be working with UCOL in the delivery of both programmes in the region. “This area has a growing need for a skilled workforce and we are pleased that HLC has been given the opportunity of contributing to that goal.”

Students who complete the National Certificate in Health, Disability and Aged Support will be qualified to work in home-based care, rest homes or community homes, or will be able to go on to further education in disability, mental health support work, diversional therapy or general nursing.

National Certificate in Security (Site Security) programme graduates can gain the National Certificate in Security L2 and the National Certificate in Security (Site Security) L3.They will be qualified to seek employment with a wide variety of possible employers including Aviation Security Service, Parliamentary Security, Court Security, Te Papa, Cruise Ship Security, the Defence Force, or with any of the local and private security organisations.

ENDS

For more information on the programmes above please visit www.hlc.ac.nz.

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