The Sun
Wednesday August 19, 2015
11
EDUCATION Engineering tutor wants to see more women in trade New Whitireia electrical engineering tutor Mary Graham hopes to see plenty of young women coming through the programme. Mary, who joined the Whitireia Trades and Services faculty recently, says women need to be more confident in their ability to foot it in male-dominated industries like electrical engineering. After realising that she preferred the idea of hands-on learning to sitting in a classroom or lecture theatre, Mary applied for an electrician apprenticeship with Napier City Council in her sixth form year. She quickly gained her qualification and has since worked in a range of roles across the industry. Mary says she did come up against sexist attitudes in the early stages of her career, but notes that these have become the minority in recent years. “While there are probably still a few around with those outdated ideas, across the board in trades it’s now more about whether or not you’re prepared to get stuck in, rather than if you’re male or female.” However, the joy she experienced in seeing apprentices come through the ranks and her growing desire to give back to the community convinced her to take up the position
We encourage children to participate in a range of fun learning activities;
Whitireia is encouraging more women to get into trades such as engineering.
of electrical engineering tutor at Whitireia. Mary points out that now is a great time for both women and men to be getting into the industry, with electrical engineers in demand across industrial, commercial and residential developments. She adds that the trade offers good salaries, incredible variety and flexibility, and is one you can take anywhere in the world. She says the Whitireia Certificate in
Electrical Engineering provides an excellent stepping stone into the industry, and that enrolments for the programme are currently open. Maori and Pasifika Trades Training Scholarships are also available for those eligible. “Enrol now and you’ll be starting on a path towards a truly rewarding career.” Mary says.
Children learn at rapid pace During their early years, children go through critical stages of development, and consistent, high-quality early childhood education can have long-lasting, beneficial effects on the overall development of children. Choosing a preschool in which your child will be loved and cared for is of utmost importance, of course. Having your child attend the same preschool programme throughout his or her early years allows him or her to develop relationships with the adults and children in that environment, which provides a sense of security. A child who is comfortable with the people in his or her life is more likely to participate in learning opportunities and in advanced cooperative play, such as role playing with others, playing games with rules, and working with others to accomplish goals.
Quote The most influential of all educational factors is the conversation in a child’s home.
No one is perfect. That’s why pencils have erasers.
Like many things, language development occurs at a rapid pace in children between the ages of one and five years old. Children who are secure in their environment and with the people around them are more likely to engage in frequent, age-appropriate conversations. These daily interactions lead to more advanced language skills by promoting vocabulary development and conversational skills. Through activities such as daily group discussions, finger-plays, songs, and read-alouds, children develop the fundamental language skills they will continue to build on throughout their lifetimes. Want to know more about how early childhood education could benefit your child? Visit one of your local friendly centres.
• Te reo Maori and Sign Language is used daily • Engage in trips and excursions to experience the world and community around us • Incorporate teaching in meaningful ways to understand and learn • Respecting others, Learning Values • Preschool to Oscar transition programme • Preschool to school transition programme Our Teachers Interact and respond to children in a caring and encouraging way, just the way you would care for your own. For more information please call 572 9868 or 021 773 132 email renwick_preschool@xtra.co.nz
Garin College Small School, Big Heart Garin College is a co-educational Catholic College with boarding facilities for boys and girls based in Richmond, Nelson. Our modern facilities and extensive grounds back onto Saxton Field, Tasman’s premier sporting grounds. We have a number of places for non-Catholic students.
Why choose Garin College
Picton Community Early Learning Centre We offer:
• above MOE ratio care for 0-5 year olds • 20 hours free for all 3 and 4 year olds • we are WINZ approved • free childcare for under 2 year olds (conditions apply) Spaces available now Either phone or call in 8am-5pm
- William Temple Phone 573 7289 | 5 Wairau Road, Picton
• Small community based Catholic College • Modern facilities in beautiful grounds • A safe and caring environment • Family style hostel • Fantastic results for all students, NCEA, Rock Quest, Stage Challenge, Sports, Outdoor adventure and more Our off-site boarding hostels provide a welcoming family environment for students away from home and our boarders achieve well above the national average at all levels of NCEA. To find out more about boarding contact Robert Booth on 0276 544835, e-mail robertbooth@cloud. garincollege.ac.nz or visit our website.
PRE-ENROL N for 20165 & be OW yond places are li
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Garin College, 35 Champion Road, Richmond, Nelson P: +64 3 543 9488 F: +64 3 543 9489 Email: achieve@garincollege.ac.nz www.garincollege.ac.nz