From technicians to scientists: our Graduate Development Programme

(Inside Aotea, August 2011)

Some of our talented technicians now have the opportunity to further their careers and qualifications -- while on the job -- through an innovative new training programme.

We established the programme to bring lasting benefits to them, to Aotea’s medical practice and to you!

We select staff who show real promise, who demonstrate a high standard of technical work and who have a science degree. We support them through their two-year, part time Massey University programme by paying for course fees and providing study leave and mentoring.

At the end of the course, our technicians gain a Graduate Diploma in Science and can register as medical scientists.

Nicola Beamish, our continuing professional development co-ordinator, says the course is a real benefit to Aotea, the students themselves and the wider health sector, as it helps ensure a growing pool of skilled scientists for the future.

Monica McGregor and James McLeod (pictured above) were the first through the programme.

Monica says it “allowed me to develop skills, knowledge and an understanding of processes that will be valuable and, in some cases, necessary for my career”.

James says there is no substitute for being able to learn and, at the same time, gain practical laboratory experience.