New faces in our Assurance team 15 September 2023 We’ve recently welcomed Tim, Leah, and Katy on board – and it’s great to have them in the team. Tim Reid Kia ora koutou. I have been involved in industry training, assessment, and assurance for several years. Some of you may remember me from years gone back when I worked in Quality Assurance for BCITO, hopefully for the right reasons 😊 I enjoy working with schools as this is where many young people will gain the foundation skills before heading off into an industry of their choice. I have a genuine passion for the construction industry, assisting and advising where I can, to ensure the high level of skill required is maintained. Working in assurance and with schools enables me to do this. In my spare time I like to fit in a bit of golf, walking, sideline and couch spectator for most sports. Katy Cottrell Kia ora koutou. I am originally from Bristol in the UK and have been in Aotearoa for ten years. I have been a Technology Kaiako (teacher) specialising in hard materials and BCATS for 15 years and most recently been a Deputy Principal and Principal’s Nominee. I have worked with various schools in Wellington and in the Hutt Valley. In my spare time, I practise the traditional art of marquetry and enjoy my time in the workshop. I am excited to be at Waihanga Ara Rau and look forward to supporting schools and providers in a much-needed sector. Leah Lacey I am excited to join Waihanga Ara Rau after seven years with the BCITO Quality Assurance team. Some of you may remember me from school cluster moderation events before these moved to Waihanga Ara Rau. BCATS is a great option for students to pathway into apprenticeships and I’m looking forward to supporting schools again and working collaboratively to improve assessment outcomes. I have a strong interest in learning support for apprentices with low literacy, language and numeracy skills. This developed while working directly with apprentices in the industry and through involvement in learning support initiatives during my time at BCITO. I live in Greytown in the Wairarapa and enjoy gardening and renovating. We’ve recently bought a home that needs plenty of both!
