Tracey Coertse has been able to move forward in her health sector career by qualifying in New Zealand standards through Southern Institute of Technology’s distance learning faculty, SIT2LRN.
Tracey immigrated to New Zealand from South Africa with her children five years ago, ready to start a new life here. “I’m a paramedic by profession and had my own ambulance service and paramedical training institute in South Africa.” She had already secured a job in Dunedin. “I was encouraged to apply for a Health Consultant role, and I got it! 11 weeks later, my three boys and I arrived here, September 2019.” It was a big move for the single parent; she realised to progress in the health and safety sector she needed to educate herself in New Zealand’s legislation and regulations.
“I have always been involved in Health and Safety, however, I would have never got into the New Zealand role due to the different regulations,” and stressed the need for the qualification. “You have to have the legislation and regulations; they are very different between the two countries.” Tracey sought advice on where to study through her work and spent time researching online. “...working with different Health & Safety teams in different sectors, a lot said to me, ‘go to SIT’. It was recommended from within the industry.”
Tracey enrolled in the New Zealand Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management with SIT2LRN. Initially she didn’t have residency and was classed as an international student, therefore paid international student fees. “My company paid the $1500 for the first module,” then the rest was on her.
Admitting it was tough beginning her studies Tracey said “it took me a month to open Blackboard. I rang my facilitator in tears; I thought I couldn’t do it.” However, with a little encouragement, she found her stride and even though working 50 hours a week with extensive travel was challenging, she persevered with her studies.
Towards the end of the course, Tracey had the opportunity to apply for a new job role with Health New Zealand. “I had two modules to go when I got the job - based on the fact I had been working towards this diploma, as well as my experience in healthcare.”
And more good news; around the same time, Tracey also got residency which meant the cost of studying became significantly lower. “There were a couple of semesters I didn’t study, I just couldn’t afford it,” she said. With her residency confirmed and a renewed vigour, Tracey completed the last module of the level 6 diploma mid-2024 and immediately enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety. “I have already completed my first module,” she says contentedly. She was also accepted at a university for a similar programme, but after some thought she turned it down. “I’m sticking with SIT. I’ve had such good interactions with them.”
Dunedin-based Tracey is regularly in Southland in her role as the Health and Safety Advisor who looks after Southland Hospital and Lakes District Hospital. “Looking after Southland Hospital staff, I’m in Invercargill a week every month.”
And she’s made the most of her southern trips. When visiting the SIT campus, the face-to-face contact Tracey had with staff has been valuable. “I was able to call in and meet people and form real connections,” she says, adding “It’s been such a pleasant experience, the engagement. Emails were always responded to.” She’s still in contact with some of the facilitators from her first diploma; “they’re so knowledgeable.”
Tracey attended her graduation in Invercargill in December 2024 and described it as “absolutely incredible experience… I felt like a Queen - I’m 49 and this is my first tertiary qualification that I’ve gained.” Even taking part in the graduation showed SIT’s high level of care. “I had four phone calls for my regalia and coming to the ceremony. It’s all these little things that have meant so much.”
What’s more, two of Tracey’s sons selected SIT for their tertiary training. “One son started the Level 4 Certificate in Exercise, we were students [at SIT] at the same time.” And her youngest son is planning to do the Automotive Heavy Engineering course next year; the Head of Faculty has already been in touch to offer advice.
Tracey is looking at moving to Invercargill in 2025. It made sense with her job and the positive experiences she’s had in Southland. She spreads the word about SIT whenever she can, mentioning a colleague had just applied after she’d encouraged them to try a SIT course.
“My diploma with SIT helped to open the doors for me in this country and [to start] working my way up. It’s just been a really good journey, overall, a fantastic experience.”