Otago Polytechnic - building capability and realising potential

`I talked to a few people in the industry and decided a more practical-based qualification would...
`I talked to a few people in the industry and decided a more practical-based qualification would be better.'' - Ben Sadowitz, New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Level 6) (Construction Management) or (Quantity Surveying).
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND QUANTITY SURVEYING 

Ben Sadowitz has always been interested in how buildings go together.

His father's a civil engineer, and Ben wanted to stay in the same industry.

After deciding on quantity surveying, he took the big step of leaving Auckland for Dunedin.

``I applied to two universities as well, but I chose Otago Polytechnic. I talked to a few people in the industry and decided a more practical-based qualification would be better.''

Ben completed a National Diploma in Construction Management (Level 6) and a National Diploma in Quantity Surveying (Level 6).

He finished at the top of his class, and gained a scholarship for further education.

He now works full time as a quantity surveyor at Rawlinsons, and studies part time towards a Bachelor of Construction.

``Otago Polytechnic set me up really well for work. I knew very little about construction beforehand, but the diploma sorted that. I'm now building on a really solid foundation at work and with further study.''

So Ben's decision to move to Dunedin and study quantity surveying was definitely the right choice.

``I'm really interested in construction and numbers, and quantity surveying involves the economics and pricing of construction, so it ticks all the right boxes! I'll definitely stay in this career.''

For more information about Otago Polytechnic's New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Level 6) (Construction Management) or (Quantity Surveying) or Bachelor of Construction, visit www.op.ac.nz 

 

 

"We're so lucky in New Zealand to have access to plants that can make us healthy, but most of us
...
"We're so lucky in New Zealand to have access to plants that can make us healthy, but most of us don't know how to use them.''- Penelope Baldwin, Bachelor of Culinary Arts.
CULINARY ARTS 

Penelope is a trained naturopath, medical herbalist and holistic nutritionist and is also the founder and creator of Botanical Kitchen, a company that combines herbs and traditional medicine with food.

She'd always wanted to make a career out of working with food but didn't want to cook for a living.

``When I saw the ad for Otago Polytechnic's Bachelor of Culinary Arts, something clicked. I knew it wasn't just about learning how to be a chef, it was business design with food as the medium and that really appealed to me.''

It was a project in the second year of Penelope's Bachelor of Culinary Arts programme that left a bitter taste in her mouth but led to the sweet smell of success.

``I was driving around and noticed hawthorn berries growing at the side of the road and started wondering if I could use them, as not only are they medicinal but they're free. The berries were extremely bitter and I was nearly going to throw them out, but, instead, they now form the basis of a line of drinks I've developed, similar to Angostura or Swedish bitters.''

Penelope wants to bring back bitterness as a flavour of choice.

For more information about Otago Polytechnic's Bachelor of Culinary Arts, visit www.op.ac.nz

 

"If you are wanting to pursue a career in the business industry, the Bachelor of Applied...
"If you are wanting to pursue a career in the business industry, the Bachelor of Applied Management will give you a great start.'' - Sepiuta Vea, Bachelor of Applied Management.
APPLIED MANAGEMENT

Sepiuta Vea gained more than a qualification from Otago Polytechnic - she developed the confidence and knowledge to embark on a career in the business world.

Plus, once she has some work-experience under her belt, she's planning to embark on a postgraduate qualification.

Initially, Sepi enrolled in the Diploma of Business here but soon realised she wanted to continue with her studies.

"The Bachelor of Applied Management gives you the understanding and skills you can apply to a range of management
environments,'' she says.

As a Pacific Island student, Sepi felt hugely supported during her time at Otago Polytechnic.

"It's been a privilege being a Pasifika student here and to be able to share my academic journey with students of similar backgrounds to my own,'' she explains.

"The support has been outstanding. Not just academically but also financially - through the Pacific Island Community Scholarships that are awarded each year.''

The degree also allowed Sepi to complete an internship during the final stage of the qualification, where she completed 400 hours of work experience and wrote up a research project based on her experience.

"It really helped me apply everything I'd learnt during my studies in a real-world context.''

For more information about Otago Polytechnic's Bachelor of Applied Management, visit www.op.ac.nz 

PARENTS AND WHANAU INFORMATION EVENING

At Otago Polytechnic, we understand that as a parent or caregiver, you want to make the best choice.

You want your son, daughter or family-member to graduate with the skills, knowledge, aspiration and confidence to realise their full potential. Not only that, but you want them to feel safe and supported
during their learning.

At Otago Polytechnic, our learners are at the heart of everything we do. We work hard to give them the best chance of achieving their goals. We attain some of the best student achievement and satisfaction results in Australasia and earn resounding endorsements from employers, who love our work-ready, motivated and confident graduates. We also provide a welcoming and supportive environment, and offer a range of facilities, services and support to our learners.
- Phil Ker, Chief Executive, Otago Polytechnic


OUR PARENTS AND WHANAU INFORMATION EVENING

This is an opportunity for you to find out more about the successful and unique education Otago Polytechnic offers and for us to answers any questions you may have about this important milestone in all your son,
daughter or family-member's life.

Tuesday, October 31, 7pm to 9pm,
The Hub, entrance on Forth Street
For more information, visit www.op.ac.nz