Graduate Matagalu Leutele is reaping the rewards of a higher income in her new job.

The mother of six says the dream role as a Support Worker has eased financial pressure as well as given her job satisfaction. “I am so proud and captivated because I got a good job which relieved the stress of having little income,” she says. “Now I feel comfortable whenever my kids need something.” The Mangere resident is delighted to be earning $27 an hour helping people in the mental health and disability fields.

Matagalu is grateful to Future Skills Academy for helping her secure the position after she achieved the NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Advanced Care and Support) (Level 4). “The academy still kept in touch and helped to find a good place for me to work.”

During her learning journey, she relished studying management and leadership skills along with coaching and delegation skills. “I would like to express my special thanks to my tutor Sadia Farzana for her able guidance and support in completing my programme. I would like to extend my gratitude to Fola, Jubilee, and all the management staff for providing me with all the facilities that were required.” Matagalu also praises her husband and children for their kindness, cooperation, and encouragement during her studies.

Before joining the academy whānau, she studied nursing in her native country of Samoa, was awarded a certificate of Diploma in Nursing, and worked as a Registered Nurse. After moving with her family to New Zealand, she studied to become a Health Care Assistant before working in retirement villages and rest homes for 10 years.

In 2020, Matagalu opted to learn about health and well-being to develop her knowledge of caring for people with complex needs, “and I needed to increase my pay.” She turned to Future Skills Academy and has never looked back.