Corinne Whittaker
Through her NZTC studies, Corinne Whittaker is learning how to manage different situations, interact with clients and collaborate with staff.
Name: Corinne Whittaker
Qualification: New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 2)
After a long and fulfilling career in retail and customer service, Corinne Whittaker felt it was time to embark on a new challenge.
“Covid lockdowns gave me an opportunity to rethink what I wanted to do and what makes me happy. When helping customers, there is no one more appreciative than the older generation. They are always willing to pass on their knowledge, have a laugh and share wonderful life stories.
“At the end of 2020, we moved my children’s great grandfather into a care home. Seeing the support and reassurance from both staff and residents made me want to be a part of this! I realised a career in healthcare would allow me to provide quality care to those who need it the most.”
Excited to pursue her new goal, Corinne enrolled in the New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 2) with New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) after a recommendation from a close friend.
“She raved about how accessible the lecturers were, the user-friendly online learning platform and how convenient everything was – particularly for those also juggling family life.
“I have found that the courses are structured so that I can plan my work load in advance, which allows me to effectively fit my study around busy daily life. With monthly introductions to the online learning classroom, and personal phone calls and emails, the support from NZTC is just great. There is communication on every level so you never feel alone!”
Now looking to bring her new skills and knowledge to a care home setting in the near future, Corinne says her NZTC qualification has filled her with a positive sense of confidence.
“My Health and Wellbeing study is equipping me with knowledge on how to effectively manage myself in different situations, interact with clients and collaborate with staff.
“From an employer’s point of view, I am also hoping that it will show I can display initiative, time management and a willingness to be part of a healthcare team.”