Samuel Cooper
Samuel Cooper is putting his family first, completing his Level 2 studies while caring for his brother.
Name: Samuel Cooper
Qualification: New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 2)
When his younger brother experienced a traumatic head injury, Samuel Cooper left his job on an organic farm in Portugal to return home and care for his sibling.
A caregiver working with the family recommended completing a qualification with New Zealand Tertiary College, and Samuel is now gaining a New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 2), giving him important skills and knowledge for his new role.
“The Level 2 Certificate is giving me a toolbox of skills and new perspective when looking at my caring role. In particular, the client-centred philosophy has really helped me to look at my role as a partner to the client, rather than the client being my ‘job’,” he says.
“I came into healthcare out of necessity than interest, but it’s far more rewarding than my previous career!”
Samuel’s days are now spent taking his brother to appointments with his multidisciplinary healthcare team, personal care, helping with food preparation, and keeping to a schedule of exercises and medication – all while completing the 12-week study program.
Hear how he’s finding the change from an outdoor role to online study:
How has studying through NZTC Online been?
It’s been good, a lot easier than I expected. The course is well-designed and easy to navigate.
How do you like to learn?
I like to learn through practice, day to day and consistently, to give me time to reflect and really process the information and lessons I’m learning.
What’s next?
I’ll most likely complete the New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing – Health Assistance Strand (Level 3), and go from there.