State Sector Modern Apprenticeships open doors

Completing a modern apprenticeship in the State sector is an ideal way to align learning with work.

That's according to Inland Revenue employee and Learning State graduate Trina Bielawski, who recently completed qualifications in business administration, and public sector client and customer services.

"I think the Modern Apprenticeship is a good opportunity to gain your qualifications while working," she says.

"People don't always have a good understanding of how their role contributes to the overall outcome for their organisation. Having the opportunity to learn more about my organisation and my part within it has given me a better understanding of the value my role adds!

"It's super motivating and I have gained a lot more job satisfaction!"

Trina began her modern apprenticeship with Learning State shortly after she began her role as an administrator with Inland Revenue in January 2006. With the support of her manager, she managed to complete it in just two years.

"When I signed up to the modern apprenticeship after finishing school, I didn't want to undertake further study without having a clear idea of what industry I wanted to pursue a career in," she says.

Since Trina completed her modern apprenticeship, she's taken up a new role within the Human Resources area of Inland Revenue as an administrator and is now working towards a National Diploma in Applied Human Resources.

"Doing the modern apprenticeship has given me the foundation and confidence I needed to identify and progress the area of work I wanted to further my career in."

Inland Revenue success with Modern Apprenticeship Programme Trina is one of many Inland Revenue employees who have taken part in the State sector Modern Apprenticeship Programme. Richard Pryce, an Inland Revenue manager, says that since 2003, many employees National Certificates and Diplomas, of which the modern apprenticeships have been an integral part. "Our area is just one small part of Inland Revenue, and we see the modern apprenticeship programme as a real opportunity for our staff to complete some non-tax qualifications," he says. "The State sector modern apprenticeship programme really opens doors for them." In fact, for Richard's business unit, the programme has been almost too successful: "Our motto is that if other business units ask to 'poach' our staff then that would be a sign of success. Unfortunately it has been working a bit too well, as we've lost a lot of our staff to other parts of the business!" Richard says.

It's good to learn while you earn Anita Parangi is delighted with the skills she's gained from her involvement in the Modern Apprenticeship Programme. Anita, 23, recently completed a National Certificate in Public Sector Service (Client-Customer Services) levels 3 and 4. She undertook the two-year programme while continuing to work as a case manager at the Ministry of Social Development - the 'learn-as-you-earn' option offered by the Modern Apprenticeship Programme. "I've learned so much from it,' Anita said.'You learn about how Parliament works and about factors that affect the State sector, like the Official Information Act and the Treaty of Waitangi." She says another advantage is that most of what she has learned can be easily transferred to other parts of the State sector. "It isn't just related to Work and Income, it's related to the whole public service," says Anita. "It makes it easier to move between government departments, and it makes you much more employable." Anita is one of 163 young State sector employees who work towards completing Modern Apprenticeships each year. The Modern Apprenticeship Programme enables employees aged 16 to 21 - and some who are older - to gain national qualifications while continuing to work. In Anita's case, she took part in weekly group training sessions with a qualifications workplace assessor who helped her work through the resource material for the certificate. Anita also undertook additional study at home in order to complete the unit standards.

If you have a talented young employees who could join the Modern Apprenticeship Programme to gain a national qualification while they keep working, contact Learning State now.