Apprenticeship Journey

… to the August issue of our bi-monthly newsletter for all Careerforce apprentices. where we share tips on assessments, relevant information on your apprenticeship training, and news stories to keep you motivated.

So, we find ourselves back in these difficult and unusual times, and health and wellbeing sector staff are likely to be under considerable pressure yet again. Our thoughts and best wishes are with you and your families. In last year’s April issue, we included some 'working from home' tips and wellbeing resources which you might find useful at this time.

In this issue, we share some tips on the Exceed – Investigating a topic module. We’ve included a story of how a fellow apprentice in Oamaru is really making a difference, especially in the pacific community.

Also, you may wish to check out Rising Phoenix, on Netflix. It tells the extraordinary story of the Paralympic Games and the changes to the way the world thinks about disability, diversity & human potential.

Finally, don’t forget to take the quiz for the chance to win 1 of 3 $50 prezzy cards!

Enjoy!

Nail that assessment - Exceed

This is a regular section in the newsletter to help you do just that, nail that assessment. In this issue we talk about Exceed – Investigating a topic

We gathered tips from your Apprenticeship Advisors to help you nail this assessment.

Exceed – Investigating a topic focuses on gaining additional knowledge which you, the apprentice will then apply in the workplace. It is likely that the training plan will recommend you complete Exceed early in the programme as it gives you the opportunity to gain new and in depth understanding about a condition, situation, social issue or impairment

1.     Choose topics with meaning and value
We recommend you choose subjects which have real purpose behind them, that can help make a real difference to the people you support. Be sure to talk to your manager or assessor and your Careerforce Apprenticeship Advisor to identify possible research topics that can add the greatest value to you and your organisation.

2.     Be specific
Avoid choosing broad subjects for your research topics. Be specific - Choose a condition or impairment that is relevant to your role or the people you work alongside. Instead of choosing a broad topic such as 'mental health' or 'disability, be more specific e.g. bipolar disorder or autism disorder. Here are some other examples of specific conditions or impairments: diabetes, dementia, sensory impairment.

Great Resource to help with 'Exceed'
Here's a great resource prepared by the Ministry of Health. It provides data on a number of topics from obesity to tobacco use to mental health. Simply choose a health topic to access the data. Check out the Ministry of Health resource here

‘Speech to text’ is actually function of the device being used, rather than part of the Aka Toi learning platform. Different devices have their own peculiarities, but can be used in association with Aka Toi.

As more and more of our learners have asked about this topic, we have created a guide based on using a smartphone. Please take a look. The guide can be found on Aka Toi or downloaded here. You may find it to be a valuable tool to help with your studies.

Uinita (Nita) Tapaatoutai is a hard worker and an inspiration to others. She balances two work roles, her community healthcare work commitments and mentoring her peers. She is a role model for her five children, and still has a determination to grow and succeed, now taking on a Management degree. With a Level 3 New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing under her belt, the Oamaru Hospital worker will soon complete a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Community Facilitation with support from Careerforce.

The Tongan Health Care Assistant is passionate about learning and is keen to take advantage of the opportunities.

“It was sometimes a struggle to fit in all the study, last year,” says Nita. “During COVID, I often worked overtime, as staff were away, during lockdown. It was a big challenge at times. But I do enjoy the learning, so I kept pushing myself."

When Nita’s manager suggested a few of the staff were having problems with their apprenticeship modules, and would she like to help them, it was natural to offer to help.

“I had one or two ladies, who were doing the community facilitation apprenticeship, who faced the same challenges that I had last year. One apprentice had only completed seven modules, and was ready to give up. I told her my story, and I managed to encourage her to keep going.”

As she approaches the finish line with her own apprenticeship, Nita has already begun another programme of study. One of ten successful candidates to be selected from more than twenty applicants, Nita has now enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Management through Capable NZ at Otago Polytechnic and started in early August 2021.