‘The experience was great, the tutors were amazing!’: Turning high school pathways education into a career

This year’s Unitec Pathways College (UPC) cohorts were recognised at a completion ceremony held at Mt Albert Campus on Wednesday 23 September.

The ceremony celebrated the achievements of rangatahi who have gained practical, industry-focused experience on our campuses while still at secondary school.

The ceremony brought together thirty-eight Level 2 Automotive students, thirty-one Level 2 Carpentry students and twenty Level 3 Animal Care students from schools across Auckland, with students receiving certificates and top-performing ākonga recognised with special awards and prizes.

The programmes are part of our organisation’s wider commitment to creating accessible pathways between secondary school, tertiary education and the workforce.

This year, 315 students from twenty secondary schools were enrolled in UPC programmes – an 18 per cent increase on 2025 – reflecting growing demand for applied education.

These academy programmes give young people the opportunity to develop practical skills, explore career options, and experience applied education at tertiary level before they leave school.

NCEA Level 2 and 3 Vocational Pathway and STAR programmes are delivered across Mt Albert and Waitākere campuses.

“Our pathways programmes give rangatahi the opportunity to experience tertiary education while still at school, helping them build confidence, explore career options and make informed decisions about their next steps,” says Transition Coordinator Jessica Rudman.

“Our pathways programmes provide a direct pathway into employment, apprenticeships and further tertiary study.”

MIT and Unitec Pathways Manager Rahera Tupaea presents awards to the top students in Level 3 Animal Care.

Pathways Manager Rahera Tupaea spoke to this year’s graduating cohort, congratulating them on making it through the year, saying it was an achievement worth celebrating.

“I know the awards are for some of the top students and special mentions. But to me, everyone here is a winner for participating and seeing the year through. So a big shout out to you all.”

Ms Tupaea also acknowledged partner secondary schools and the Pathways team for the support they provide to students.

The ceremony highlighted the different opportunities available through applied learning.

Automotive students were taught this year by kaimahi lecturers Arbin Prasad and Paul Niutua, supported by technician Inoke Colavanua, while carpentry students learned from lecturers Ruben Sigglekow and Rocxie Ngaro.

Ruben says one of the strengths of the programme is bringing students from different schools together and giving them an authentic taste of higher learning.

“I enjoy these classes with students from mixed schools. I think it’s a really good way for them to get exposed to this sort of experience in tertiary education.”

Students were encouraged to consider returning for further study, with Most Improved Student Wyatt Pahulu (Mt Roskill Grammar), Best Overall Student Linhao Shi (Mt Albert

Grammar) and Most Engaged & Motivated Student Sajida ‘Laila’ Mohamad recognised for their achievements.

Lanuola Ah Far (Kelston Girls College) and Quinn Darier (Te Kura Pounamu) received special awards for 100 per cent attendance, in recognition of their “dedication to learning and commitment” to their automotive course.

In that cohort, the top three automotive students were Hao ‘Finn’ Nguyen (Mt Albert Grammar School), Lanuola Ah Far and Prvaan Naidoo (Hobsonville School), recognised for consistently completing theory and practical work to a high standard.

“I started doing the course for the credits, but I realised I actually enjoyed this, and I think I would be able to make a career if I continued it,” says Quinn.

“I learned about transmissions, the brake system and the whole fuel system. It was very useful and I learnt so much. The experience was great and the tutors were amazing!”

Quinn says he’s keen on coming back to do the Level 3 Automotive certificate.

“It’s something I never thought I would like, but it’s one of my favourite things to do now. I look forward to coming to class every week.”

Lecturer Paul Niutua acknowledged the effort of the entire automotive cohort.

“On behalf of the teaching team I want to thank all the students for the effort that you all put in, your dedication and hard work,” Mr Niutua says.

This year’s top students from the Level 3 Animal Care Course delivered in our Pathways Programme.

Level 3 Animal Care cohort also celebrated a year of achievement, with lecturer Sacha Berger praising students for the commitment they had shown throughout their studies.

“We want you to know how much we appreciate the hard mahi you’ve put into the course this year. We wish you all the best, whatever pathway you choose.”

Callum McCauley (Selwyn College), Riley Hopkins (Green Bay High School) and Samantha Snow (Northcote College) received 100 per cent Attendance awards.

Other awards were given to Jessica McNamara (Te Kura Pounamu) for Most Improved, Ajeilla Berger (Albany Senior High School) for Answering Questions, Emily Fearis (St Dominic’s College) for being Engaged and Motivated, and Samantha Snow for Supporting Other Students.

Most Engaged went to Riley Hopkins for her dedication and focus, “consistently demonstrating strong engagement in both practical and theory work”.

Samantha says she has had a lifelong love for animals and her sights are set on a career in animal welfare.

“I only knew a little bit about it before coming here. But now I have a deeper understanding. I really enjoyed the course,” she says.

Emily says she is interested in zookeeping and applying to study with School of Environmental & Animal Sciences next year after attending our recent Open Day.

The completion ceremony reflected the purpose of the pathways programmes: giving young people the opportunity to discover where applied education can take them before they finish secondary school.

For some, that next step may be further tertiary study. For others, it may be an apprenticeship, employment or another industry pathway.

By bringing secondary school students onto our campuses and into practical learning environments, it gives rangatahi the skills, confidence and experience to make informed decisions about their futures.

The completion celebration was supported by industry sponsors NZ Blackwoods and Milwaukee, who provided a BBQ lunch for students and staff, while Milwaukee and ITM Daley also contributed prizes and merchandise recognising student achievement.