Source: Te Pukenga
The fresh cohort of barbering graduates from Ara | Te Pūkenga could consider themselves a cut above – not only celebrating their Level 4 qualification but for many, a change in the direction of their lives.
Class representative of 2022, Jeremy Thomson says that’s his story anyway.
“I started barbering to sort myself out. I had slipped into a bad place using drugs and alcohol. I went away for a bit with extended family and came back to study which was a very big call after 20-odd years,” Thomson said.
The 40-week Ara course proved to be as life changing as he had hoped.
“Halfway through the course I got sober simply because I wanted to keep up the progress and achieve more goals. I put down the alcohol and drugs to do it and each achievement gave me a boost. I was getting marks I never thought were possible and that gives you belief.”
Tutor Rachael Mountstevens said Thomson’s speech to his classmates at the end of the year celebrating 100-days sober brought many to tears. But his story of transformation is just one of many. She sees students overcome English language barriers, absence of computer skills and low school attendance impacting their academic ability. Others, she said, lack the ‘soft career skills’ of being motivated, on time and set for work.
“Our open entry means there are no barriers here. They just need to find the discipline to stick to routine,” Mountstevens said. “I feel it gives people hope because they see what success and achievement looks like.”
Drawing on expertise from all corners of Ara in terms of learner support, student advisors and the “incredible” Māori and Pacific achievement teams – Mountstevens sees education change lives in the face of real struggles.
“I have students fighting for a better life for themselves. They’re determined to head forward and not back to the life they have come from. For me, those ones are special because they have a positive drive. They see this as a way towards a brighter future,” she said.
Many took a moment to celebrate at the Ara Autumn Graduation ceremonies in the Christchurch Town Hall on 31 March which saw more than 850 ākonga presented with their parchment scroll.
Ara Executive Director of Academic, Innovation and Research Dr Glynnis Brook led the academic procession and said the qualifications awarded ranged from foundation certificates priming learners for new paths in life to master’s degrees.
“Ara |Te Pūkenga invests in students from all walks and all stages of their study. It has been fantastic to witness these milestones at our Autumn graduation ceremonies. Their hard work, the dedication of our Ara colleagues and the support the students receive from those closes to them all contribute to their success. It is fitting that we celebrate today,” Brook said.
Many of the barbering students were now bestowing their own style of help and support as clients take the chair.
“One of the key things is being able to talk to people and the issues going on in their lives,” Thomson said. “It’s another form of counselling in a way. People open up in the chair and my life experience means I can get where they’re coming from.”
He also noted that his learning hadn’t stopped at Ara.
“My life has changed for the better, but the course was just the beginning. I’m learning more and more now from my employer, and it’s really made me step up a further level,” he said.
Out of the 38 students to graduate in Level 4 barbering, Mountstevens said the vast majority are working in the industry or newly equipped with a ‘side hustle’ as they’d intended.
On the course, continuous improvement was also underway. Elements of Ara’s qualification have been refined with a view to roll out a streamlined offering across the Te Pūkenga network. Wellington-based Te Auaha was already on board with Auckland-based institutes on hold due to disruptions from weather events earlier this year.
“It’s very rewarding to reach this point. The thought that one of my students could leave tomorrow, head to the north island and easily slot into another course to continue their learning journey makes me feel happy,” Mountstevens said.
“It’s exciting to be one of the first out the gate.”
