Supporting community more than a job
Posted On: Tuesday, 15 February 2011
Ditda Tutahi no longer wanted to be a cleaner and do shift work. She was looking for a career, not just a job and that’s where Wintec’s Certificate in Community Services Support came in.
“The course was just right for me,” says Didta. With many other mature students in the group, they were all focused on learning and getting a new career, just like she was. “When I walked into the class and looked around I thought ‘this is me’.”
“I was determined to get a good job and I knew that I had to have qualifications to get one” she says. “The course gave me a real focus. I believe that with focus, you can accomplish anything.”
Ditda’s hard work paid off. She initially worked at Gracelands in Hamilton on a six week placement gaining work experience. Shortly afterwards a full time position became available that Ditda applied for. Now she supports clients with physical and intellectual impairments.
“The rest is history,” she laughs. “When I teach people something they go home with that little bit of knowledge – they’ve achieved something that I’ve taught them and that makes me proud,” she says.
Now that Ditda has the study ‘bug’, she is unstoppable. Since starting her new career, Ditda has completed her National Certificate in Community Support Services (Level 3) and aims to continue her study journey.
Ditda pays tribute to her family for their support during her studies. “They’ve been so supportive of me. Being there for mum when she is grumpy,” she says, laughing again.
Does she find the academic work difficult? “No, I actually love it. I enjoyed the classroom study as well as the independent study. You learn practical skills that you can implement every day to help people. That’s what makes it so rewarding.”
The National Certificate in Community Support Services will give you the knowledge and skills to provide care for the older person, people with disabilities, people convalescing or people in general. The course is available at our Thames and Te Kuiti Campus, Te Awamutu (Gracelands) and Taumarunui. Find our more here »