Army centre opens courses to civilians

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 431, 7 April 1992, Page 3

Army centre opens courses to civilians

BY

JO

HOWIE

The Education Centre is now encouraging civilians to participate on some courses run by the Centre subject to vacancies being available. WO 2 Savell said army personnel will get preference, but he said community members are encouraged to enroll for courses. Previously civilians were not able

to participate in courses run for the military. One of the first courses to include civilians was conducted in the first week of April, the Mess Procedures Course. This course was divided into four modules: chairmanship, including procedures and techniques of a good chairperson; treasurer, covering accounting and

preparing a club's financial statements; secretary, including minute taking and role responsibility, bar manager, principals are taught for any organisation that operates a stock trading account. WO 2 Savell said about 15 people attended the course, a third of whom were civilians. "People only attended

modules they were interested in, so there were different groups attending the different modules. "The reason we've encouraged community involvement in this particular course is because we recognise the valuable input from spouses, dependants, and other community members into community organi-

sations. There are over 50 clubs in Waiouru including the formal army institutions of the messess, to playcentre, swim club, pony club and many more." "Civilians attending the Mess Procedures Course will assist the community and the army in the long run," WO 2 Savell said. He said another reason

to include community members on other courses is because of Waiouru's location, which denies civilians access to a full range of courses offered in city centres. The centre also has the facilities and qualified instructors available. Courses will be advertised in the Tussock Times and include computer courses covering introduction to micro computers, data base and

spread sheet; courses covering topics on Maths, 16mm projectors and films, overhead projectors, operating a video and communication skills. The Education Centre also run seminars and organise night classes, through the Wanganui Regional Community Polytechnic, such as accounting, basic marketing, fundamentals of business maths, basic computers, woodwork, Maori language and craftwork.