Aiulu Pau is transforming her career at Future Skills Academy. “I have learned so much here,” the mother of four says. “It’s changed my life.”

Aiulu,43, graduates soon with the NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Caregiving) (Level 2). She has her sights set on a caregiving career after finishing a rewarding practicum and completing all her paperwork. “That’s my dream job.”

The Mangere resident turned to Future Skills Academy to upskill and gain job security after enduring a series of taxing on-call jobs which involved standing all day packing online orders. “Every day I would feel pain, have a sore back and be so tired. That’s why I made the decision to study hard so I could get a good job. I wanted to stand on my own two feet and do a better job than picking and packing. I came here to study for my future and support my family. It’s not easy getting there but you feel happy at the end.”

She admits the first day of class was daunting. “I was scared when I saw all the computers in the room. I didn’t know how to use them.” But Health and Wellbeing Lecturer Nazra Ali taught her how to navigate the devices, work online and log into Moodle, Aiulu says. “Nazra’s really kind and helpful. She supported us in not giving up easily and to keep studying. I learned how to manage clients, take care of them, and respect them. You need to control your emotions, stay calm, and listen to how they feel.”