Joe Horvath achieved a diploma through distance learning while working full-time; the new qualification produced immediate results, in the form of different career options.
In 2017, Wellington-based Joe was working as an Aviation Security Officer, with a side of Management Systems Advisor (Support), and was also a health and safety representative. He said he found the role as health and safety rep interesting, so decided to pursue study in that field, and work towards the New Zealand Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety Management through SIT2LRN Distance Learning.
Joe discovered SIT2LRN via a work colleague. “My operations manager was a very driven person. One day we caught up for a coffee to discuss a work procedure; five minutes later the conversation changed to extra studying and what SIT2LRN could provide for me.
Beginning the course at the end of 2017, Joe said he didn’t have any expectations, but was helped by having done some previous study at SIT2LRN. “My very first enrolment was for a National Certificate in Adult Education and Training in 2012. It was a great primer to go on to complete my Diploma.
Joe completed the New Zealand Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety Management whilst working full-time, and graduated in October 2021.
The course covered meeting your legal duties through the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, and other regulations relating to health and safety in a workplace environment, and helped to develop an understanding of the common risks and hazards and how to best manage them.
The programme material has certainly given me a broad understanding of health and safety. It has also given me an appreciation for the levels of responsibilities in a workplace.
Joe said the tutors were helpful and engaging, and he liked having the flexibility of the distance learning model. “I sometimes finished work at 10:30 p.m., so I used to have a coffee and hit the books. Sometimes I lost track of time, and before I knew it, 4:00 a.m. had arrived.
He added studying by distance learning does have its challenges, but he was able to manage those aspects which threatened to distract him from his goal.
Being in a physical classroom is tremendously different from learning online. In a classroom, most of your focus is there, unlike virtually, the temptations are REAL! It was a test of self-discipline, which is good to learn.
Joe says his diploma has been instrumental in opening the door to new career opportunities; he now works as the Health and Safety Coordinator for the Environmental Protection Authority NZ.
Studying was vital to achieving my career goal. Without completing my Diploma, I would never have been able to build the essential skills to enter the Health and Safety sector.