Wānanga programme helps young mum gain employment

After completing the Certificate in Tākaro, Sport and Exercise, Ellerose Vanderaa secured a job as assistant manager at Jetts Whakatāne.

Before completing the Level 4 certificate at the end of 2022, Ellerose had no prior work experience in the gym or fitness industry.

“I was a stay-at-home mum, with two kids. I had worked in a café but the gym is way different to that. I got picked for the role just two days after finishing my study.”

As well as a lack of industry experience, Ellerose also struggled with confidence when it came to going to the gym and workout techniques and exercises.

But after 38 weeks of study and the ongoing support from her kaiako (tutor), Lynette Ngaheu, she had a wealth of knowledge and the confidence to pass her learning on to others.

“I want to help people who are in the position that I was in when I first started my study. I want to make sure they feel confident and comfortable from the very start until the very finish,” said 28-year-old Ellerose.

Not long after landing the role as assistant manager, she also got a job as a personal trainer at Jetts.

Ellerose has been happy with what she was able to learn in a year, all while raising her two young children and gaining employment.

“I loved the programme and my kaiako. I learnt so many new things and workouts that I never knew about. If you want to do something good with your life then studying is a good way to go.”

Although fulltime study, while raising a family was a challenge at times, Ellerose said it was still made possible at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa because of the effort put in by the kaiako.

“My kaiako was supportive with everything that I had going on, both personal and study life. Your kaiako are always there to help you.”