Learner Me launch new course with MSD and iwi

Fifteen young people from around Taranaki are set to be part of the first wave of trainees in a new fully-funded course launched by Learner Me in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development and Taranaki’s eight iwi.

This course, called Hangarau Akoranga, runs for six months and gives students not only training and NZQA qualifications in their chosen field (which could be coding and web development, app development, hardware and network systems, social media marketing, graphic design, and videography), but also gives back to the community with the students working on real-world projects for iwi in Taranaki.

“We know that in our industry you learn best when there is a strong connection between learning and practice,” explains Learner Me CEO Simon Singh. “All of our courses work on this philosophy, but Hangarau Akoranga goes a step further with learners in a team environment working closely with iwi on projects that will benefit the community.

“We’re aiming to connect our young learners to their whakapapa while also equipping them with skills and qualifications that are in demand globally.”

The course is specifically for Taranakai residents aged 15-24 years who are currently not in employment, education or training. MSD are funding the course through the nationwide initiative He Poutama Rangatahi, meaning it is absolutely free for students to attend, however there are only 15 spaces for each six-monthly intake.

The first intake starts Monday 30 August and applications are currently open. The course is held at Learner Me’s New Plymouth campus on 127 Gill Street. Anyone interested in the course can call 06 920 3424 or email info@learnerme.ac.nz.

For further information on Learner Me, Hangarau Akoranga and other course options, please visit learnermer.ac.nz.