Scholarship Contributes To Career Progression
With two teenage children, and a husband whose work with the defence force required plenty of moving around, MITO learner Annette Gibson says she is now at a stage in her life where she can put her own career first.
“I’ve always focused my priorities around supporting my family,” says Annette. “But now that I have returned to the workforce, I felt it was time I did something for myself and further progress my career.”
The Office Administrator at CE Spray Collision Repairs, Masterton, received a 2017 MITO Business Skills scholarship earlier this year and is now completing a National Certificate in Business (First Line Management) (Level 4) – a nine-month programme which offers a professional development opportunity for people aspiring to management excellence.
Annette saw the MITO scholarship programme advertised and the more she looked into it, the more she realised that becoming qualified with a National Certificate was something she really wanted to do.
I discussed it with my employer and we agreed that it would certainly benefit both myself and the business – particularly if I were to step up to a manager role in the future.
“I discussed it with my employer and we both agreed that it would certainly benefit both myself and the business – particularly if I were to step up to a manager role in the future. I couldn’t quite believe it when I was awarded the scholarship. That type of thing doesn’t happen to me so I was extremely excited – as was my family. It has really given me the opportunity to progress my career with a qualification and gain a solid grounding in business skills.”
Owner Helen Mathewson, says “Annette thoroughly deserved the scholarship. In the time she has been with us, I’ve observed her significant leadership and organisational skills, and with her natural ability to communicate, her fellow employees look to her for direction. With her drive, commitment and enthusiasm to excel, she has enhanced the administration side of the business considerably. Now, this qualification is helping her in the next stage of her career as she works towards a managerial position within the business.”
Three months into the training programme, Annette has already started to implement things she has learned into the day to day operations of the business. “The training programme content is invaluable. I’ve been able to find ways of working smarter by streamlining processes and making decisions that increase productivity and efficiency,” says Annette. “I’m thoroughly enjoying the programme and the support from my MITO Industry Training Advisor, Brian Scott, is extremely helpful too. It’s great that he is only ever a phone call or email away if I have any questions.”
For others considering getting qualified, Annette has some simple advice. “Just go for it! It’s been a wonderful opportunity for me to learn new skills and further my own career. You won’t regret it.”
