Student Testimonials

"A quiet achiever, Katherine is gaining more confidence and blossoming in her wide and varied role at Perpetual Trust.

She says she first heard about Launchpad from her careers advisor at Mairehau High School. "I didn't have any ideas about what I want to do after I finished school so thought I'd give this a go.'' Struggling with nerves in her first interview, after a bit of coaching from Launchpad she impressed the team at Perpetual enough to secure her position there last November. Tasks have included filing, reception, project work and research. "I really enjoy working here and I'm not scared to ask questions anymore.''

Katherine says she is also appreciating her studies at CPIT. "I'm learning all about business administration and document production and am finding it is helping me immensely in my day-to-day work at Perpetual.''.

Katherine Hepburn

Launchpad has helped Daniel Reinke's career get off to a flying start. A 2005 scholarship recipient, Reinke is already an invaluable member of the Christchurch Engine Centre's administration team.

"We're a company that provides maintenance and overhaul services for Dart, JT8D and V2500 aircraft engines. I am a full-time administrator in the V2500 Facility; there are many different aspects to my job which include employment health and safety, business operations, financial processing, planning and projects.'' Daniel says he first heard about Launchpad through his careers adviser at Hornby High School. "Near the end of Year 13, I was trying to decide between continued study or working full time. Launchpad gave me a third option.'' He says the first few weeks at the engine centre were the hardest because he was absorbing so much information. "But once you get into a routine everything goes like clockwork.'' His part time CPIT studies also helped him adjust to working full time.

"CPIT's courses were of a high standard and the teachers were very helpful. It was like being at high school but felt more professional. "I received great support from the engine centre and its staff and supervisors. They were always interested in what I was learning. During this time Launchpad also provided me with all the required information and mentoring I needed.''

Daniel says it wasn't hard to decide that he wanted to continue working at the centre after his Launchpad year was up. "When a position was advertised, I applied, interviewed and was offered a job. Overtime my job has developed and I have been given greater responsibilities, with more challenging tasks, which keeps my job interesting.''

Working full time has enabled him to purchase a house with his partner, while he has also been inspired to continue studying towards a Bachelor of Business Innovation and Enterprise with the centre's full support. He says he would recommend Launchpad to any high school student unsure of their next step. "If you are deciding between studying or working, why not have the best of both worlds with Launchpad.''

Daniel Reinke

"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

"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.

Launchpad was introduced to me through a recruitment agency and seemed to be my best opportunity, which it was. I went from being constantly rejected to receiving two job offers in the same day. My first day of full time employment started in June of 2004 working as the receptionist for local insurance brokers.

Throughout my employment I was presented with a number of challenges. Some of which, were a real struggle for me to overcome. With guidance from Helen and support from friends and family, I found the strength to endure the tough times as well as the good. One of the most valuable lessons we learn as working students is the importance of a balanced lifestyle incorporating our professional, social and personal lives...

Since my completion of the programme I continued to find new and exciting challenges. I ended my employment where I was in search of more experience. Not long into my new role as administration support at Giltech Precision Castings I was made redundant along with half of the staff that was there. At first I didn't know how to come to terms with the redundancy. I felt let down and unwanted and it took some time and a few bottles of wine to realize that it wasn't personal…it was just business and unfortunately they no longer had the resources to continue my employment with them. On the plus side, I now had everything I needed to make me a promising candidate to a potential employer.

Within four days after leaving Giltech I began my first day as personal assistant to Geoff Kloogh who provides excellent Health & Life insurance across New Zealand. Not long after that I was signing ownership papers to my first home out in Andersons Bay and single-handedly running the administration of Geoff's company. I was shocked yet again when Geoff announced he was relocating to Alexandra and I would be taking care of the business here in Dunedin.

Now as I look to the future I am excited about what is coming my way…."

Christina Johnson