Otago

17 Launchpad scholarship students graduated in a ceremony held in the Dunedin Art Gallery‘s first floor ODT Gallery which was sponsored by Allied Press – ODT. Their certificates were presented to them by the Keynote speaker, Virginia Nichol, Director of Marketing & Communications, University of Otago, watched by employers, Launchpad and Otago Polytechnic representatives, family and friends, school principals and career advisors.  After graduating from the 12-month Launchpad Programme, 14 graduates have permanent positions with their Launchpad employer.  The remaining three have been successful in securing alternative permanent employment. Virginia Nicholls also presented the Outstanding Student Award to Lizzie McKenzie.  At the end of her Launchpad year, Lizzie accepted a permanent position as a Training Coordinator with Otago Chamber of Commerce, and is a valued proactive employee.  She also received the Otago Polytechnic Launchpad Award 2007. Hilary Allison, Chairperson, Dunedin Launchpad Advisory Group, was MC for the evening.  Other speakers were; Geoff Thomas, Anderson Lloyd Lawyers, Launchpad Employer and Champion of the Programme and Advisory Group member, and Marty Searle, Chairperson, Employment Scholarship Trust. Two former Launchpad scholarship graduates, Michael Clark (2004) and Nicole Kennedy (2006) also spoke recounting the highlights of their scholarship year and their career development and associated tertiary education paths. A highlight of the evening was the launching of the Alumni by Regional Coordinator, Helen Richards and Founding Graduate, Christina Johnson. The Alumni was launched to  provide the opportunity for graduates to not only Celebrate their Success, but to provide a vehicle to network both professionally and socially with their peers and potentially build lifelong friendships creating an environment of opportunity and support wherever they are in life, and in the world. The Alumni members are committed to supporting each other and to support the programme, future students and graduates in a variety of ways. It is rewarding to see these young people embracing the future and having such a sense of belonging and community.

“When I first joined Launchpad it was really an excuse for me to leave school. In the beginning I honestly took this scholarship for granted. I was positioned in a lawyers firm called Downie Stewart, which I thought was fantastic. My colleagues where amazing and I really enjoyed working in an office environment. When I began the polytechnic side of this scholarship I didn’t take it seriously and never really applied myself. As time went on I began to fall behind in my work. This didn’t go unnoticed, it was then decided that I should buddy up with Christina to help me complete my certificate. We usually meet twice a week and soon enough I was on the right track again. Christina has been such an inspiration. She became my buddy through Launchpad and my friend for life. The support I received from both Christina and Helen Richards I am forever grateful. I honestly believe that without their help I may not have completed my certificate, in which I would have not been able to graduate.

I completed my scholarship year at Downie Stewart, and was appointed the role as Receptionist for a further year. I gained a lot of experience in dealing with clients and the reception duties.

After my two years at Downie Stewart I applied and gained the position of Reception/Secretary at the University in the Faculty of Law. I have been there now for 7 months and have loved every minute of it. I have now become personally motivated to learn. This year I am studying part time towards the Certificate in Business Management. As well as working full time I go to night classes at Otago Polytechnic for 3 hours twice a week. Sometimes I think what have I got my self into but all the time spent in front of my computer pulling my hair out over due assignments is nothing compared to what I have to look forward to in my future. I will successfully achieve all the goals I have set for myself; I plan to get the most out of life and I feel I am already on the right track….”  - Rachel Fahey (2006 Graduate)

“For a lot of us, Launchpad was not only a way to learn new skills and gain experience in the workplace but also an incredible pathway into a world of self discovery.  With the support of my employer, Helen and the Polytech tutors, I was encouraged to push the envelope and challenge myself in ways I had never thought possible.  I developed my strengths and recognized my weaknesses, set goals and began to realise my true potential as a young businesswoman.  I became a person of integrity, reliability and above all found the strength to achieve great things both at work and at home.   I began launchpad at a very difficult time in my life.  My lack of training and skills in an office environment seemed to outweigh any enthusiasm and promise of ability I could offer.  I was struggling to make ends meet and wound up working as a part time cleaner at a backpackers in Queens Gardens to keep myself afloat.

Christina Johnson (2005 Graduate)

“I’ve been told time & time again the school years are the best of your life, but I disagree.  I did really well at school at times, but was often unhappy and in the seventh form, my marks reflected that.  I was scared of failing, so I left school and went onto a Launchpad Scholarship.  Some people thought I’d taken the easy way out, but I think I took the road less travelled, and have achieved more for it.   Being one of the first scholarship recipients wasn’t easy, but I think it allowed us to set the standard high for those who followed.  A Tuesday morning at Polytech was a chance to see my peers, and to discover we all had the same problems, and occasionally get solutions to them.   Going out of my comfort zone was a common feature of my first year of full time work.  Working as an office junior at the Dunedin City Council gave me the opportunity to see the wide range of functions the Council performs, and the chance to make countless cuppas for countless mayors, meet Royalty, and handle many irate ratepayers.