Student Testimonials

"Choosing to study at this Academy became the pivotal point in my life. I was able to study my chosen career at my own pace in a supportive environment. I found the learning programs, comprehensive and easy to follow. Once I obtained my Legal Secretary Qualification, the Academy then went further to open doors of opportunity, which led me into the role I am currently in. The Academy has strong ties with recruiting agencies, and are able to move you into the next phase after you complete your course.

I recommend anyone wanting to upskill, refresh or change careers, that this is the Academy that you can trust to assist you in more ways than one, taking you all the way through to the finish.

I would like to thank Barbara & Eric for all their hard work they put into making the academy run smoothly and efficiently, as this created the environment for me to excel and ultimately change my life!

I wish the Academy Business Training all the best in the future, and I know that there are many, many people to come who will be just as thrilled as me that they chose this institute of learning.

Best Regards

Tania...."

"As a university student, I felt my time in academia prepared me for research, analysis and all those nice things � but left me pretty much clueless as to how to operate the funny looking machine at the corner of my desk. Twenty-four weeks later, and I am teaching my IT guru partner a thing or two about MS applications!

I attribute my success � and enjoyment � at the Academy of Learning to three pivotal factors.

1. Self-Paced Learning. I could whiz through the things I was familiar with and take my time over those I found more challenging. There was never any pressure to meet exam deadlines. This enabled me to obtain a comprehensive understanding � rather than just knowing enough "to pass".

2. Flex-Time Learning. While studying at A.O.L., I managed to also complete my degree, work part time and have a life. I could schedule and re-schedule time at the Academy as my circumstances changed.

3. Independent Learning. As I learn best left to my own devices, the system at A.O.L. was ideal for me. Supported by excellent resources � textbooks, audio components, and the helpful, friendly team running the show � I could really take ownership of my own education.

As a result of my experience at A.O.L., I enter the recruitment process feeling confident, competent and very excited about my future. I remain very appreciative of the help, advice and support I received and, should the need arise, I would happily return to the Academy to broaden my skill base".

Thank you for the all the kindness and support you have shown me these last six months.

It is with your guidance and understanding that I can leave the Academy with the skills that I have gained to success in whatever career path I choose.

"I had been at university studying science but was finding it hard financially and decided I needed a qualification that would get me into a job quickly but keep me involved in medical science.

I chose Academy of Learning because of their flexible approach. I would go in after I finished my morning job and stay until I picked up my two children from school. If they were sick I could study at home and ring in if I had questions.

The training is organised in workbooks and you set your own targets. At the end of each book you do pre-test and then an exam.

I did the Medical Receptionist course, then the Business Administration course by cross crediting and doing a few extra papers. It took me six months. I'd been doing some administration and accounts work before and I wanted a document that recognised that experience.

The course gave me a good understanding of medical terminology, which made me confident in the hospital administration environment. It also increased my self-confidence, improved my grooming and helped me recognise the skills I already had.

When I graduated, I got a temp outpatient clinic reception job at A+ through Alpha Personnel Recruitment, who work with Academy of Learning.

My present job is a seven-month contract that involves supporting the nurses, interacting with children and checking to ensure a safe vaccination environment. I will go back to my degree eventually but right now this qualification means I can work in my area of interest and earn reasonable money".

"Coming out of school with no qualifications made it very hard for me. I found myself working jobs that were nowhere near the potential I knew I had. After doing the Legal Executive Secretary diploma at the Academy of Learning I have gained so much more confidence. It has opened doors to me that I'd never thought possible. I was never suited to the traditional classroom situation with the traditional exams, so of course I found that the Academy suited me perfectly. It meant there was no pressure to complete something by a certain date, I sat the exams when I was ready, and that meant I could perform at my very best! Everything was at my own pace. I know a lot of people out there have the same difficulty with learning as I do, and the Academy system is a great way to build a future and to build confidence.

After completing the course at the Academy, they helped me make a CV and sent it off to several different Legal recruiting agencies which have proved very fruitful! I went to three different interviews at law firms, and was offered all three jobs in the same day, which was definitely the best day of my life! I am starting a position next week working in a team with university graduates at New Zealand's top law firm, Russell McVeagh! All of which would not have been possible without the Academy of Learning.

Going there was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It took only six months out of my life and I have come out the other end with a whole new world of opportunities! Thank you very much Academy of Learning!"

"When I decided to gain further training on PC applications and update some of my other office skills, I was pleased that I chose Academy of Learning - a place where I could fully focus on what I was learning, entirely at my own pace and with facilitators ready to advise me whenever I raised my hand. The Academy's Flexi-Time training meant that I was able to schedule lessons for times that were convenient to me. As an added bonus, the training was purely on a one-to-one basis - no more of those "schoolroom" sort of classes where the instructor tells you, and thirty other people, what to do next and when to do it!

One of the most important things that would make me return to study at the Academy is the wonderful positive atmosphere that exists there. I found the principal and her staff to be very easy to approach - not for just answering my questions about my course but also for giving advice on general job seeking, temping, etc., advice which I have put to good use recently. These people are genuinely interested in helping you reach your career goals and because of their qualifications and experience, you know you are getting the right advice from the right people.

The Academy has a wide variety of training courses, and importantly, they update them regularly. This is important since when you update your office skills you must keep on doing it - this applies particularly to computer packages.

When I first started at the Academy I was unsure and hesitant and my skills were few. Since completing my course I have enjoyed temping and I am very pleased to say I have finally achieved my goal of being employed as a receptionist. I look forward to returning to the Academy and learning more about office work and the interesting world of computers".

"Just to let you know much this course and your help has really set me up in my career. Without this diploma there is no way that I could be employed in the type of jobs that I have been. These jobs have included Trust Accounting, Secretarial and General Accounting. At the moment I am happily placed in a finance company and using all the computer skills that I received at the Academy of Learning.

Before doing my diploma I struggled to find the right sort of course for me. I was not suited to normal teacher class situations and this is where the Academy was perfect for me. It allowed me to work through my lessons at my own pace while still having teacher assistance when I needed it.

Before I gained my diploma I tried to go for work interviews. Absolutely nobody would consider me at all. After gaining my diploma, getting a good job was a lot easier for me and now, with work experience behind me also, I find that I can actually be quite choosy about where I want to work.

I cannot thank you enough for your help and wish you all the best in the future".

"The attractive thing about this course - Executive Secretary - and college is the fact that we're able to learn at our own pace. If their courses were tutor driven, then this college would be like any of the many others!"

"Sorry it has taken me so long to write - I have just been so busy in my new job as Payroll Administrator at Harrah's Sky City! This is an opportunity I would never have had, had it not been for my taking action and attending the General Secretary Diploma Course at the Academy of Learning.

I am in a position where I am responsible for over 650 people's pays, and 95% of my work is computer based. If I hadn't attended your college I wouldn't have the skills nor the confidence needed to perform my role. The computer courses were well-paced and informative and I especially liked the flexibility. Glide-Time is a wonderful idea!!! It certainly gives EVERYONE the opportunity to take advantage of the Academy's unique system. The Personal Development and Basic Business Programmes gave me skills that I use both at work and in my personal life.

I am grateful for all of your time and effort. Having never worked in an office situation before, I can honestly say I would never have gotten this position nor have done 3 months of temping prior to starting work here without the Academy of Learning's assistance.

I hope everything is well for you and you have my very best wishes for future success!"

"Just writing to say thank you very much for teaching & training me. I guess you could say disciplining me as well.

Throughout the months that I spent with you, I have learnt many things, had lots of practice, have acquired ample knowledge of that which I love to do and of course have had many laughs with such great people. I must admit I really enjoyed being a student of Academy of Learning and I would certainly do it again (um maybe)!

Well once again I appreciate everything you've done for me & helping me in being able to get my great job at Gordon & Gotch. Take care & all the best for the future!"

"I write to sincerely thank you all for all the help given to me during the completion of my course, Diploma in Computer Software, at your institute. The hours for the classes, the facilities, the overall environment, the personal attention, and especially the Self-Paced Learning made the course easy to handle and complete.

I also appreciated the after course help in job search and preparation of a remarkable curriculum vitae, which I found very useful.

I was able to find a fulltime job at the Reserve Bank, Auckland where I make use of my computer skills daily. While at this job I also found a part-time job at an International company.

Overall I would say that it was really worth the time I spent at the Academy of Learning".

"I apologise for the delay in writing to thank you for giving me the opportunity to further my studies at your Academy of Learning. I was undertaking the Diploma in Reception course that is helping very much in my current job.

Taking up the course has helped me enormously to build up my confidence and enabled me to look for jobs. I would advise anyone to take up any one of your courses since I believe that it is money well spent.

I hope that your Academy gets every success in life. Best wishes for the future".

"This course has helped me a lot in finding jobs as I was tested on MS Office Skills and Data Entry / Administration. My job history after doing some MS Office Skills at Academy are: