Darcel Leota - make your goals a reality

Darcel Leota wasn't a study person at school, but look at her now - she's a Learning State Modern Apprentice graduate who's making her goals a reality.

To earn good money to provide for my family's needs, to be able to work all over the world, to help people, to excel in my career, and to do it all well!

Darcel's road to success wasn't easy. She became a Modern Apprentice in February 2004 when she joined Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) straight from college. But it was difficult to find time for study and a new job until her Learning State Modern Apprentice coordinator, Kapu Waretini, inspired her to take control of her career. Kapu talked to Darcel about the improved earning opportunities that could open up for State sector Modern Apprentice graduates. This was the inspiration she needed.

Today, Darcel is a case manager at WINZ in Takapuna. She loves to support her brother on the rugby field, hang out with her family, and buy things for them. It's her way of thanking her family for their support and encouragement throughout her training. Together with Kapu, they helped her to believe her goals were achievable and her hard work would be rewarded.

Daniel Haines - get qualified to get on in life

Daniel Haines loves his music, car, friends, and hanging out. He's a regular 19-year-old who's used to looking out for himself - he left home at 15.

Daniel's first jobs were at Metro Ford and McDonald's. Then an advertisement in the Dominion Post grabbed his attention - it explained how he could get qualified and get paid by becoming a Modern Apprentice. Daniel didn't hesitate. He applied for and was accepted as a Learning State Modern Apprentice with the Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) Porirua office.

Daniel completed his Modern Apprenticeship in just 18 months. Now he's a youth case manager with WINZ. This success has convinced him that qualifications will help him to get on in life, so he's determined to study for a degree one day.

Daniel says that aside from music, good food, good friends, and more music, the important things in his life are 'A secure job, good money, and work that I enjoy'.

And that's what being a Modern Apprentice has given him.

Holly Topi Patuki - start your global career

Holly Topi Patuki is a Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ), Otara, staff member with plans for a global career. One day, she hopes to work for the United Nations and, closer to home, to work for her iwi trust board, Kai Tahu.

Holly left Te Aute College, Pukehou (Hawke's Bay), after her sixth form year. First, she spent a year as an exchange student in Scandinavia, and then returned to New Zealand to study for a diploma in travel and tourism. While she was studying, Holly's family encouraged her to investigate work in the State sector - where she could earn while she learnt as a modern apprentice.

Holly joined WINZ in October 2004 and graduated from the Modern Apprenticeship Programme in January 2006. Now she's continuing her studies at Manukau Institute of Technology where she's enrolled to study for a bachelor's degree in business and management.

Holly's Modern Apprenticeship and continued studies have provided a perfect springboard for her State sector career. The knowledge and skills she's learnt as a Learning State Modern Apprentice are transferable between State sector agencies. Now Holly can steer her career towards her medium- and long-term goals - to work in other State sector agencies like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and, one day, to work for the United Nations.