Janeke Fourie started with Upskills in May 2019. She is now Programme Manager, Workplace Literacy.
At the time of writing, she had been in a programme coordinator role for three months. Our programme coordinators are the vital link between our tutors and clients so it’s a good time to find out a little more about Janeke and her front-line role.
Q: You have come from quite a corporate background, how did you find making the leap into the training sector?
Janeke: It’s been quite a ride so far… lots to learn and absorb. I’m obviously still very new in this field but so far, I think I’m handling the leap OK.
Q: What attracted you to the role at Upskills?
Janeke: I wanted to help make a difference to people albeit indirectly through the work we do. I find that to be a very rewarding aspect of my job and I’m fortunate to be in a position where I play a small role in changing people’s lives.
Q: What’s the best part about the coordinator role?
Janeke: Building relationships with a wide range of people from all walks of life. Also, exposure to a wide range of different industry sectors has been very interesting.
Q: Has anything surprised you?
Janeke: I was quite surprised about the high level of need of adult education in New Zealand and I often find myself wondering why that is… I don’t have an answer for that quite yet.
Q: Which of your skills are you most heavily reliant on?
Janeke: Organizational skills, effective time management and ability to build relationships. My sense of humor has also come in handy a few times.
Q: What advice do you have for anyone thinking of booking a course with Upskills?
Janeke: Do it! These programmes really work and have been designed to truly engage learners and promote lifelong learning very effectively.
Q: What feedback have you had from learners?
Janeke: Firstly, I have found that most learners appreciate the opportunity to learn and the younger ones often joke about how they should have paid more attention at school. I’ve also seen learners walk with some extra swagger after sessions where they had light bulb moments and learnt something new. I get to see transformational change in people firsthand, therefore I feel I’m part of something really worthwhile.
