New set of tertiary courses for Levin
Tertiary courses on offer to Horowhenua students will expand significantly with another 10, and degrees a possible next step.
Horowhenua Learning Centre chief executive Jacqui Ferrel said two new courses would be introduced by the private training provider in November, each one year long; a Certificate in Exercise and Sport Performance, and National Certificate in Site Security.
Another eight start next year; food and beverage service, cookery, hospitality, early childhood education, health and wellbeing, computing, hospitality and employment skills.
HLC and Palmerston Northbased polytech UCOL announced on Tuesday they were expanding their partnership.
If the new level 2, 3 and 4 courses were successful, it is hoped some could later transition into level 5 and 6 diploma and degree courses, such as a Bachelor of Nursing.
HLC currently has 37 fulltime equivalent student places at the Levin campus, and the 10 new courses increase that to 140 EFTS, or 230 students a year, Ferrel said.
UCOL contributed alreadydeveloped programmes and expertise.
Projected population growth in the district had already begun to materialise, she said. In the next 20 years, Horowhenua District Council’s Development Plan predicts the region will gain almost another third of its population, in part thanks to the Wellington to Levin Northern Corridor roading project already under way.
‘‘With the population growth there’s going to be a need for increased work force development, and with education it does take time - tertiary qualifications take time to get, so we’ve chosen programmes that we think will be relevant to local employers and the labour market,’’ Ferrel said.
‘‘Employers will be very involved. Our most successful programmes now have strong workplace components. That makes sense for the employers and the learners.’’
The new courses were ideal starting points for those new to study, or finishing school, she said.
‘‘It’s very exciting to be in Levin with this opportunity and the growth phase that we are in, and to be part of the solutions ... if you can connect more kids to education and employment, that’s a great community outcome for everyone.’’
UCOL director of communications Christine Beech said a Levin UCOL campus closed in 2006, largely because of declining student numbers drawn away by free courses at a lower level.
Wide consultation had been carried out with many parties in the community before introducing the new courses.
‘‘We’re excited about coming back to the Horowhenua, and this partnership. We’ve got big plans.’’
An HLC open day is to be held at the Bath St campus in Levin, on Tuesday, September 20, from 9am to 2pm.