Gagati Falaima from Tuvalu, is thrilled to have completed his Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) business qualification through the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT).
But he couldn’t have done it without the assistance of the course organisers, including eCampus NZ.
The FFA collaborated with NMIT and their online learning partner eCampus NZ to tailor the course content of The New Zealand Certificate in Business (First Line Management) – Level 4, to meet industry requirements.
How eCampus NZ helped Gagati
Course organisers, including eCampus NZ Facilitator Melanie Baynes, helped Gagati complete the course. This was despite challenges presented by COVID-19 restrictions and finding time to juggle study and full-time work commitments.
“Before every assignment due date our facilitator always scheduled a virtual Zoom meeting with all of us students,” Gagati said.
“This was to go through and enlighten us on how to make it easier for us to work on our assignment and to complete each and every assessment.”
“The eCampus support site also gives ideas on how to manage your time studying each unit, so I did use this to overcome my challenge.”
According to Gagati, the other way eCampus helped him was by providing flexibility, by giving due date extensions, if required, when life got too hectic.
“eCampus NZ learning designers worked with subject matter experts to make the online course content and case studies directly relevant to the fisheries industry,” said Melanie, who has lived and worked in Papua New Guinea.
“This helps learners make instant connections between what they’re learning and how it may be applied within their workplace.”
FFA’s role in the course
The FFA is working with eCampus NZ through NMIT, to deliver innovative online training that supports career pathways in the tuna fisheries industry.
Based in Honiara, Solomon Islands, the FFA plays an important role in helping its 17 members manage, control, and develop their tuna fisheries. FFA members work in a complex environment with specialised skills.
The FFA was able to offer scholarships to help fisheries employees in FFA member countries access the programme when it became available in March 2021.
The group was learning online, from nine different countries in the Pacific, including the Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
“It has been an absolute privilege to virtually connect with people all over the world in our shared languages, and to support the group as they work towards qualifications,” Melanie said.
“This study will further their leadership skills and careers.”
Did the new qualification help Gagati with his job?
The Fisheries Officer Observer Coordinator is pleased to finish the qualification, which he finds very practical in his job.
“It feels amazing, and it is very helpful, making my work much easier than before,” Gagati said.
“I am working with quite a number of contract observers, so this study really helps me to understand how to guide and work with them.”
Gagati recommends the New Zealand Certificate in Business (First Line Management) – Level 4 for anyone thinking of taking it.
“It is very helpful for different kinds of divisions or departments, especially to anyone who wants to be good at their job or become a great leader,” he said.
If you are interested in studying for a New Zealand Certificate or Diploma in Business go to the eCampus website. Apply now!