Universal College of Learning facts for kids
UCOL Palmerston North campus building
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| Motto | To inspire students, businesses and communities to succeed |
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| Established | 1892 |
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Academic staff
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460 (2020) |
| Students | 5,786 students (2020) (Māori 30%, Pakeha 60%, others 10%) |
| Location | , |
| Affiliations | Public NZ TEI |
The Universal College of Learning (UCOL) is a special kind of school in New Zealand. It's a government-run place where people can learn skills for jobs. UCOL has its main campus in Palmerston North. It also has campuses in Whanganui, Masterton, and Levin.
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UCOL's Story
UCOL started a long time ago, in 1892. Back then, it was called the Palmerston North Technical School. It taught people skills for different jobs. It also had fun classes like art and crafts. Adults could take evening classes to learn about business too.
Over the years, the school grew and changed its name a few times. In 1983, it became the Manawatu Polytechnic. The government wanted more people to learn job skills. So, the Polytechnic started offering more courses.
In 1987, a small campus opened in Levin. Then, in 1996, the government gave money to rebuild the main campus. This made it a central place in Palmerston North.
In 1998, the Manawatu Polytechnic changed its name to the Universal College of Learning, or UCOL. UCOL grew even bigger in 2001 and 2002. It joined with other polytechnics in Masterton and Wanganui.
On April 1, 2020, UCOL became part of a bigger group. This group is called Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. It includes many other similar schools across New Zealand.
Where UCOL Is: Campuses
UCOL has four campuses where students can learn. They are in Palmerston North, Whanganui, Masterton, and Levin.
Palmerston North Campus
The Palmerston North campus has some cool places.
- It has a special centre for English language tests (TOEFL iBT).
- There's a training restaurant called Ambitions. Here, students learn to cook and serve food.
- You can also find a Hair and Beauty Salon. Students practice cutting hair and doing beauty treatments.
- The Palmerston North Weightlifting Club is also here.
Whanganui Campus
The Whanganui campus also has places for students to practice.
- It has a training restaurant called Visions.
- There's also a Hair and Beauty Salon.
Masterton Campus
The Masterton campus has a Hair and Beauty Salon too.
What UCOL Focuses On
UCOL works hard to help students get ready for jobs. It focuses on a few key things:
- Teaching skills that businesses need.
- Helping young people start a career.
- Improving reading and math skills for adults.
- Working with other countries for learning.
How UCOL Teaches: Te Atakura
UCOL uses a special way of teaching called Te Atakura. This program helps teachers work better with students. It also helps students, especially Māori students, do well in their studies. It gives students extra support when they need it. This program was created with help from experts like Professor Russell Bishop.
What You Can Study at UCOL
UCOL offers more than 100 different courses. You can get certificates, diplomas, or even degrees. Here are some of the subjects you can study:
- Science: Like medical imaging or lab science.
- Cars: How to fix cars and paint them.
- Beauty & Hair: Hairdressing and beauty treatments.
- Business: Learning about managing, accounting, or tourism.
- Cooking & Food: Becoming a chef or working in hospitality.
- Building: Furniture design, carpentry, plumbing, and more.
- Creative Arts: Graphic design, animation, fashion, music, and photography.
- Teaching: How to teach adults or young children.
- Sports: Physical training and sports performance.
- Engineering: Mechanical, electrical, or fabrication engineering.
- Basic Skills: Māori language, sign language, computer skills, English, reading, and math.
- Computers: Computer networks, software, and IT.
- Languages & Culture: English, sign language, Māori, and Samoan studies.
- Nursing: Becoming a nurse.
- Animal Care: Vet nursing and looking after animals.
- High School Programs: If you're in high school, you can start studying at UCOL part-time. This helps you get ready for college.
- Online Study: You can study some courses online, like business or IT.
UCOL also helps refugees learn English. In 2016, they got money to offer free English courses to some refugees.
Special Awards from UCOL
Every year, UCOL gives out awards to people in the community. These awards are for people who have done great things for their local areas. In 2019, UCOL also started giving awards to its past students. These awards celebrate what UCOL graduates have achieved.
