| 101 Southern Institute of Technology - Gore COMMUNITY Russell Fredric SIT’s Gore campus offers short courses through to certificate courses as well as recreational options. For more than 25 years, Southern Institute of Technology’s (SIT) Gore campus has been a key community hub that has helped thousands of students on their learning journey. Senior administrator Margie Halford says the campus was originally established when the need was seen for Eastern Southland and surrounding areas to have a facility where people were supported in a conveniently located, supportive learning environment. “When the Zero Fees Scheme started in 2001, we had an influx of students training or retraining at the Gore Campus. “The cohort of students enrolling changed as many age 40 plus students returned to study. After being away from a classroom for quite some time this is pretty daunting for many, so being in a small family environment means the learning is made enjoyable and comfortable. Education, directly and indirectly, gives learners of all ages the opportunity to develop their technical and social skills, Margie says. “Learners interact with others, building their relationships with friends and other students of different ages and cultures, and improve their skills in different environmental settings.” Over the years the campus’ facilities have been improved and expanded. It offers modern facilities, including two first class computer labs, a hospitality room with seven coffee machines, a hair salon and beauty therapy room and a workshop for trades engineering courses. Rooms are also available for hire to other tertiary providers. The Gore campus offers short courses through to certificate courses as well as recreational options. Gaining a qualification can be a significant confidence booster for students as well as being a door opener into workplaces. “The majority of courses assist students to improve their workplace skills which, in turn 03 208 5457 | Lindsay 027 266 4665 | Suzanne 027 434 7219 t d@xtra.co.nz 21 Mersey Street, PO Box 380, Gore 9740 THOMPSONFLOORINGFIRST&DRAPES LTD. For all your carpets, vinyls, drapes and blinds PLUMBING HEATING AND DRAINAGE 10A ONTARIO STREET GORE PHONE 03 208 5841 or 0274 054 773 Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Civil Engineering, Construction throughout Southland and Central, West and South Otago AJAX BUILDING CONTRACTORS LTD PO Box 388 Gore Mataura Highway GORE 9740 Phone: 03 208 9145 Tom: 027 215 1037 www.ajaxbuilding.co.nz gives them more chance to gain employment in their chosen area. As well, for those already in employment, studying and gaining new or improved skills enhances their self-belief and self-esteem, which gives students the confidence they may not have had before attending classes.” Programmes include business administration, computing, Te Reo, hospitality, trades training for year 12 and 13 students, art for leisure, and supported learners which caters for people with learning disabilities, including those with an intellectual disability. The campus has local organisation and high school representatives on its community advisory committee which helps inform local training needs. Secondary Tertiary Alignment Resource (STAR) courses introduce secondary school students to training for a specific career or study at tertiary level while the campus also provides an important link to other SIT campus programmes including certificate, diploma, degree and masters. The Gore campus tailors courses to current community needs, working with agencies within the district notifying them of courses that may suit their clients. “Local businesses often phone wanting to know if we have students that might fit their workplace.” “Because many of these students hold down jobs as well as busy home lives and may travel from all over the district, we offer course times such as late afternoon or early evening to suit businesses upskilling their employees’ computer skills.” “Every year we look for opportunities to meet local needs, we are keen to work with local high schools and businesses and are really open to new ideas.” Class sizes are small, which provides the students with quality learning opportunities and allows tutors to give close personal attention to each student. Community art courses have been provided at Gore for many years. Students who participate enjoy the companionship and fun had while learning. For some of these mature students, it is their social outing for the week which is very beneficial to their ongoing wellbeing. Gore hub helps 1000’s of students
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