Getting a taste of tertiary study
Thousands of potential students have flocked to Palmerston North for tertiary education open days.
Massey University and UCOL both held their open days yesterday, putting on stalls, holding tours and showing possible students what courses of study are on offer.
More than 1700 people registered for Massey’s open day, while there were hundreds at UCOL.
UCOL held a winter-themed open day, putting on winter-related activities and a snow machine.
Visitors were given tours of UCOL’S facilities, showing off what skills students can learn.
There were also information stands and interactive displays for many subjects, as well as showing the services available to students.
Tararua College students, Bronte Greer, 17, Melissa Lonsdale, 18, Haylee Wallace, 17, and Emma Brunton, 16, were among those checking out UCOL. ‘‘We came just to get an idea of what we want our futures to look like and what we might be interested in,’’ Wallace said.
Lonsdale said UCOL was more suited to what she wanted to do when she finished school. She was thinking about becoming a hotel manager.
Wallace, who was thinking of working in hospitality, said the open day was informative.
Palmerston North Boys’ High School student Trent Sebire, 17, was another seeing what UCOL offered. ‘‘I’ve just been looking at possible career options.
‘‘I’ve seen what the college could give me in terms of education.’’
He was thinking about a career in the creative industry, such as design and illustration.
‘‘I got some pretty good information. I did a tour of the art block and saw what the classes looked like.’’
UCOL executive director of business development Arthur Chin said the open day was a great opportunity for people to get a taste of UCOL life.
‘‘People will hear about the programmes we teach at UCOL, but when they actually come and check out the facilities they get to fully appreciate what goes on here.’’