What students say

With free fees until 2023, those wanting to get the benefits of a qualification in

Designer, Katherine Lightfoot and Director of SMJ, Stu Martin are two NKBA members who have reaped the rewards of study in kitchen design. Both have used their qualification to increase their professional contribution to the industry and ultimately improve their experience and offering to their clients.

In this article, Katherine and Stu share with us why they decided to study and what difference it has made to their careers.

Looking back on his career, Stu Martin of SMJ can almost pinpoint the moment everything changed. He had finished school in sixth form and managed to secure himself an apprenticeship with a local joiner. Now with many years in the industry under his belt, Stu has decided to retrain in kitchen design. He is currently studying towards a Level 5 Diploma in Kitchen Design.

“We are all evolving, and it was important that I looked to the future and what I wanted to do with my career in the next 10-15 years. SMJ has now grown beyond manufacturing to include kitchen design, which has been a fantastic step as it provides us with options and flexibility in the future,” says Stu.

Katherine Lightfoot is an interior designer at Nicola Manning Design. She is also a graduate of the Level 4 Kitchen Design Qualification and is currently studying her Level 5 Kitchen Design Diploma. Katherine had been working in the industry for about a year when she decided it was time to start a new chapter in education.

“I am a person who is always willing to learn more, to keep furthering my knowledge and skill set. I have a hunger to thrive in the industry and I felt that it was necessary to gain these qualifications to be the best I possibly could be in my career. I enjoyed meeting people along the way, and the relationships you build with people in the industry. I also enjoyed the new knowledge and information I learnt from the qualification, which I have taken through my career. With this came the confidence in my designing ability, which was an important aspect for me. It has given me great confidence in my ability to design beautiful and functional kitchens for my clients,” says Katherine.

NKBA and BCITO support students through the process and offer direction, assistance and advice when needed. They are also available to discuss how free fees might work for you and if a professional qualification is right next step for your career.

“It’s interesting the variety of students coming through, they come from many different sectors within the industry and backgrounds. Stu and Katherine are just two examples, but there are many more who have benefited from the education and the professionalism the qualification adds to your CV. One message I would like to get across is how much support there is on offer from both BCITO and NKBA for aspiring, current and graduating students. We all want to see them succeed,” says Suzie Rees, Executive Officer of NKBA.

Katherine Lightfoot agrees, “NKBA and BCITO really support their students. There is always someone to help and support you through the process. I am an advocate for the kitchen design industry and believe that more people should consider it as a career path. I say go for it!

For more information on free fees and kitchen and bathroom qualifications visit: https://bcito.org.nz/apprentices/careers/ kitchen-bathroom-design/ https://bcito.org.nz/nofees/