Ensuring all Otago residents have access to education

Ensuring all Otago residents have access to quality education

Those who leave school without a qualification now have further options open to them. Otago Polytechnic introduces a government initiative to waive fees for Level 2 programmes, for those who do not already hold a qualification at this level.

80.3% of Otago residents leave school with a Level 2 qualification, and 74.2% nationwide, a figure the government aims to increase. Holding a level 2 qualification is seen as critical as it opens many pathways to further tertiary study.

Funded by New Zealand’s Tertiary Education Commission, this scheme gives New Zealand citizens and permanent residents the opportunity to study approved programmes without paying tuition fees.

Free Fees at Otago Polytechnic allows students to gain a Level 2 qualification for free during 2015. Students are eligible if they do not already hold a Level 2 (or higher) qualification.

Head of the School of Social Services at Otago Polytechnic, Chris Williamson, says that this initiative will allow those who have avoided getting qualified due to financial restraints, to return to learning.

“Free fees provides a zero risk opportunity for people to step back into education,” he says. “It enables students to kick start their education without adding a financial burden. No matter what your previous experiences have been, zero fees open the door to gaining new qualifications and future employment.”

Otago Polytechnic offers two Level 2 qualifications: the Certificate in Foundation Studies (Level 2), and the Certificate in Animal Care (Level 2).

The Foundation Studies (Level 2) Certificate provides students with a strong base for further study, or employment. It teaches practical skills for a particular trade or profession. The National Certificate in Animal Care (Level 2) is the foundation qualification for those seeking a career working with animals.

Chris Williamson emphasises the support that new students receive at Otago Polytechnic. “Our passionate staff want to support new students to gain success in education and open new doors to further training or employment,” he says.

Free fees at OP

Certificate in Foundation Studies (Level 2):

http://www.op.ac.nz/study/trade-academy/certificate-in-foundation-studies-levels-2-and-3

Animal Care (Level 2):

http://www.op.ac.nz/study/life-sciences/veterinary-nursing/national-certificate-in-animal-care

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