Rebekka Malster was at a crossroads in her career as a Driver Trainer, so she used distance learning to upskill, and in the process, has become qualified to write and produce her own courses.

“I’ve been a car instructor for 13 years; I have also clocked up time as a commercial driver but didn’t get as much experience as I would have liked.” Wanting to progress her training licensing and skills to trucks as a professional licensing assessor, Rebekka knew she had gaps to sort out.  “Moving up in vehicle size required skill and experience, but I knew I had many transferable skills.”

Rebekka explained before 2020, driver trainers completed the “Driver Educator” unit standards, but few pursued it, leading to the course's cancellation. “Fortunately, I retained the list of unit standards that comprised the entire pathway,” so she had a good idea of what the course should include. MITO (Motor Industry Training Organisation), the professional course provider for licensing assessors, suggested she try an alternative course.

Rebekka’s study coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic and the New Zealand polytechnic sector’s transition to Te Pūkenga; she searched for a suitable course and identified the New Zealand Certificate in Adult and Tertiary Teaching, Level 5 (NZCATT5). “I inquired about becoming a student at Toi Ohomai but found it financially unfeasible; it was likely I was ineligible for a student loan.” However, through an internet search, Rebekka discovered the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) and was able to enrol in SIT2LRN, their distance learning faculty.

“Amidst a serious legal issue, I initially withdrew from the NZCATT5 programme due to an inability to concentrate. However, in 2022, I decided to re-enrol, seeking to regain confidence and focus.”  Rebekka found completing the teaching modules required significant effort, including setting up classes, renting classrooms, and finding students and assessors. “I completed the teaching component in mid-2023 and subsequently enrolled in the New Zealand Certificate in Learning Design, Level 6 (NZCLD6) to pursue my aspiration of writing courses for the transport industry.” The programme aligned well with Rebekka’s course-writing goals; completing it last Christmas was immensely satisfying and valuable, she says.

“While the NZCATT5 covered aspects of course writing (US11551 and 11552), the NZCLD6 expanded on this by incorporating online platforms for course development and design issues.” Despite its challenges, Rebekka thoroughly enjoyed the programme, and it progressed her course-writing aims. At present, she’s developing ‘The Horse Course’, designed for both professional and private transport operators, and the ‘Introduction to Safe Driving Practice’ course for young drivers, aiming to replace the current Defensive Driving Course (DDC).

Concurrently doing the Graduate Diploma in Professional Coaching (business strand) through SIT2LRN, Rebekka says it complements her dual roles as a teacher and coach. “This is helping me to consolidate knowledge and have a portfolio of work across many different aspects of teaching, coaching and course design, from which to launch into professional independent driver training.” Having also earned a BA in Psychology from Massey University (2008), Rebekka says this enhances her qualifications overall, and believes having a comprehensive education “fills a gap” in the industry, particularly in the quality of courses. “Self-taught learning design is challenging, and I recommend formal education, such as the NZCATT5, NZCLD6, for a thorough understanding of course writing and development.”

“You can have experience in different ways, to different levels and understanding,” Rebekka explains, and thinks collaboration is important to advance the sector.

Initially, Rebekka was apprehensive about distance learning but found SIT’s NZCATT5 programme proved to be rigorous. “The NZCLD6 required more self-directed experiential learning, which was challenging as I navigated it independently.” Despite this, she’s now progressing in the right direction. “My ‘horse course’ is beginning to take shape. I hope to acquire the necessary software next year, but for now, I am using MS Word to write material I can copy and paste into the LMS.”

Having no specific expectations about SIT2LRN, Rebekka says the courses have been beneficial, boosting her confidence and knowledge. “My assessor noted my growth throughout the programme.” As someone with dyslexia, she navigated this by maintaining a structured study routine. “Completing the assignments and reflecting on my progress was rewarding,” and balancing studies with physical activity helped to manage stress.  

“SIT2LRN reminded me I am not too old to study… my brain did feel overloaded at times, so I’d put my running shoes on and go for a long walk.”

Rebekka admits returning to study and managing legal issues were significant challenges, “but I learned to compartmentalise and focus on my studies.” Working alone also made the collaborative aspects of the NZCLD6 difficult, however, her tutors implemented processes to ensure successful outcomes.

For Taupo-based Rebekka, distance learning is advantageous, eliminating travel expenses, and having access to SIT's library services has been invaluable. “I now have an extensive academic library and can take my time reading the material I have saved.”

Planning to continue her learning with SIT, Rebekka aims to become a consultant trainer and expand her scope beyond transport-related courses. “The knowledge and skills I have gained will enable me to teach, coach, and write courses effectively. I am hugely grateful to the SIT tutors who have guided and supported me to success; none of this work will be wasted!”

She encourages others to pursue similar pathways, although suggests not everyone may need the NZCLD6. “It is essential to have a clear purpose and end goal to avoid finding the course tedious. My course-writing journey has provided me with a structured plan and process, ensuring that my work is purposeful and engaging.” The outcome for Rebekka has been “Now I know so [rather than] I think so.”

For those considering SIT, “be aware that you will get top-quality education at a really good price,” says Rebekka. Fees are manageable, “…you pay only $7 per credit. My NZCATT5 came to about $250 per semester at SIT, whereas had I done it elsewhere, it could have been about $10,000 – a huge difference!”

Rebekka advises “you must be motivated to achieve and prepared to stick with it” to succeed in distance learning. “If you find you have bitten off more than you can chew, reduce your workload, spread it out... the tutors will be there to guide you through that process should it be necessary. I extended my NZCATT5 By 6 months to give me more time on the professional development modules and that’s okay!”

"Thanks to everyone at SIT, especially the tutors who have helped me on this journey so far."