Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
26 seconds ago
Quinn Sidney (Ngāti Porou), pictured here with son Roha, completed the NZ Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Services Pathway) (Level 3) at EIT Tairāwhiti this year.
A young Tolaga Bay mum says that she is fitter and more confident after completing EIT’s Services Pathway programme and now she is hoping to join the police services.
Quinn Sidney (Ngāti Porou) completed the NZ Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Services Pathway) (Level 3) at EIT Tairāwhiti this year.
Quinn, 24, who is mum to her toddler son Roha, says that she has a deep love for the outdoors and enjoys spending time with her horses and Roha.
Born and bred in Tolaga Bay, Quinn went to school at Gisborne Girls High, leaving in Year 11 and then enrolled in the NZ Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3) at EIT.
“I didn’t follow through with that, but I did a couple years apprenticeship for an electrical trade.”
“I enjoyed the money but I didn’t really enjoy the job too much. COVID made things a bit hard but my biggest change was becoming a mum as well, doing another jump in careers.”
Quinn worked in a number of roles in retail, farming and administration, but had wanted to join the police. A previously unsuccessful attempt to join the police led her to enrol in the Services Pathway programme.
“I was super-duper unfit after having baby and I’ve actually tried to join the police previously when I was a lot fitter so I had some sort of idea on what I needed to do to get in.”
“I just knew I wouldn’t make it on my own and I just needed some help.”
“I love the whole aspect of working in a career that shows not one day being the same, and feel the police force could provide this, I knew beforehand that I’m pretty good with my words and showing understanding and empathy towards people from all walks of life, I know one day I’d make a great police woman..”
“Being a new mum made establishing a regular fitness routine challenging. Before the course, I struggled to find motivation and didn’t know where to begin. With the biggest support from my mum, who helped with childcare and encouraged me throughout the 19 weeks, I overcame initial doubts.”
Quinn says she has no hesitation in recommending the programme for others and says that even if she is not accepted into the police, there are options to get into the army, navy or airforce.
“The course was well-structured, allowing me to complete assessments efficiently, with minimal additional study time needed, making it manageable to balance life as a studying mum.”
Quinn credits Services Pathway tutor Adaam Ross for being supportive and understanding.
“His guidance inspired me to consider joining the territorial forces one day, something I hadn’t known much about before. There was not one day he wasn’t pushing us when we needed it. Adaam definitely helped us learn a thing or two, mentally and physically preparing us for the forces.”
“As I reflect on my time on the course, I now have more energy to be a mum. I have overcome a lot of my anxieties not just with my physical abilities but with being able to give 110 percent effort every day, as well as knowing when to rest and recover.”
EIT Services Pathway tutor Adaam Ross says that Quinn was a really good student who had a lot on her plate.
“She managed to juggle studies and home life really well and was a real leader in the group. At the start of the programme she struggled a lot with the physical side of things. Being a new mum made it hard for her to get back into running and PT (Physical Training), especially on those days when she would turn up after a sleepless night with a teething baby, which I could relate to.”
“She knew what it was going to take to meet the standard physically for the Police and she knuckled down and worked extremely hard, knocking at least 4 minutes off her 2.4km run time.”
“I believe Quinn would make a great Police Officer because she has had a few life experiences, interacting and communicating with people are just a couple of her strong points.”
“It was an absolute pleasure to have her on my programme and I would recommend her to any organisation, I wish Quinn all the very best for her future career and it was great to play a small part in her journey to becoming a Police Officer.”
