Student Profiles

Les Ralph has a passion about the environment and the uses of renewable energy. From recycling, car pooling and saving energy, Les has been very aware of her carbon foot print for many years. By preserving energy Les is helping the environment and only wishes others were more aware of their role in preserving the planet.

Les started her career as a kindergarten teacher over 30 years ago. .Teaching and guiding others as well as being a mentor are just a few of Les’s strengths. Having felt like she had done enough for 3-4 year olds, she started looking further afield for a new challenge. She wanted something that pushed her to make a difference and set standards for others to follow.

Listening to the radio one morning Les heard an advertisement for Waiariki’s Diploma in Sustainable Energy. Knowing that she could learn more about her passion Les was hooked on the idea. This gave her the chance to improve her knowledge on something she believed so strongly.

“When I heard the advertisement on the diploma I knew I had to sign up. This was a way for me to learn new and interesting things. This was a chance to do something that satisfied my enthusiasm for sustainable energy.”

Initially Les thought it would be hard going back into study. However Waiariki offered her the chance to improve her problem-solving skills and teach her hands-on approaches. As a part of the diploma Les has been tasked with carrying out an energy audit on a residential property, learned all about different renewable energy technologies along with business communication and health and safety practices as well.

“I was nervous about going back into study; I haven’t studied for over 30 years. But Waiariki had great help to set up and I was very interested in what was going to be taught. The diploma is so useful in learning about every aspect of energy saving and how to sustain it.”

After finishing the Diploma in Sustainable Energy, Les’ ambition is to become an energy auditor. She loves the thought of having the chance to teach others about sustaining energy. She also hopes to move into sustainable architecture and design. Being a consultant and refitting houses to be more sustainable in their use is one of her dreams.

“It is up to sustainable energy pupils to spread the word and help save the planet for future generations.”