MPTT grad Kylie takes up the fight against Covid-19

When Kylie Fowell accepted a Taranaki Futures Maori & Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT) scholarship for Health & Wellbeing, she had no idea just how needed those skills would be. Fast-forward a year and she is an essential worker at the Taranaki District Health Board, part of the healthcare workforce on the front-line to unite against Covid-19.

Kylie completed her studies at the Western Institute of Technology in Taranaki during 2019. As part of the Taranaki Futures MPTT scholarship, all course fees and related expenses were covered. “I was so stoked to receive the scholarship, it made returning to studies that much easier for our family” comments Kylie.

An important component of the scholarship includes an extra level of support from a Taranaki Futures Programme Co-ordinator.  “Melody was really helpful, arranging the ordering of things like my work experience uniform as well as a general sounding board along the way – it’s a valuable part of the scholarship” she said.

Kylie started at the Taranaki District Health Board during the Covid-19 Level 4 lock-down. “I’m loving my new role – and the chance to support the Taranaki community at a time where my skills are so needed”.

Nga mihi ki a koe, mo to mahi kaha. (Thank you for your hard work Kylie).

Ko te manu e kai ana te miro, nōna te ngāhere. Ko te manu e kai ana te mātauranga, nōna te ao. (The bird who eats from the miro tree, owns the forest, however the bird that consumes learning owns the world).