Source: Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
Peter Kapene was always interested in a career in forestry, so when the opportunity for a scholarship arose, he jumped at the chance.
Peter, has just completed his first year of the Diploma in Forest Management at Toi Ohomai and thanks to a scholarship funded by Te Uru Rākau, he will be gaining valuable experience.
Te Uru Rākau funds three Ngā Karahipi Uru Rākau – Forestry Scholarships through Toi Ohomai and Peter was one of the inaugural recipients.
The scholarships aim to encourage more women and Māori into a career in forestry and wood processing.
The scholarship programme provides a pathway to ensure more qualified and skilled people join the forestry workforce as it undergoes transformation.
This is a way of opening the door to a career in forestry, and also creating more opportunities for women and Māori.
By increasing diversity in higher-level study through these scholarships, it helps ensure the forestry and wood processing sector better reflects the diversity in local communities.
“Forestry has always been on my radar as a future career and the more I learnt about the industry I decided this was the place for me,” Peter says.
“Previous diploma students recommended that I study at Toi Ohomai because of the experience/knowledge which the tutors provide, as well as the resources available to help me with my studies.”
Peter says he saw the scholarship advertised after he had enrolled and saw it as an opportunity to gain work experience in the industry.
“I was pretty stoked when I found out that I was the recipient.”
He says the support from his tutors has been great.
“They have always been available to help, and it has played a key part in my success this year.”
As part of his scholarship, Peter will be working in the field with Te Uru Rākau collecting data, which he will also use for his research project as well as spending time in the Te Uru Rākau office. He’s also gearing up for an internship over summer.
“I’m really looking forward to starting my summer internship at Aratu Forest and putting the skills that I learnt in the classroom into a workplace environment.”
His aspirations include being well established within a forest company as a coordinator/manager within the next five years, and he recommends others consider forestry as a career option.
“I highly suggest applying for scholarships as it helps you build connections with others working in the industry and it also offers valuable work experience during the summer break.”
