Rugby league coach and former professional player Adam Blair says Capable NZ has helped him understand more about himself as well as the needs of others.

Blair played league for the New Zealand and New Zealand Māori international teams and was this year appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to rugby league. He now works as a coach and presenter.

Blair decided to enrol in the Bachelor of Applied Management with Capable NZ because he’d heard good things about it from friends and understood he could gain his degree in less than a year.

The work-based learning model was a good fit for him because he was a full-time athlete when he enrolled, he says. Capable gave him all the benefits of study while allowing him to keep working full-time.

His Capable studies have helped him grow personally and professionally. He now has a better understanding of the type of person he is and better understands the needs of others.

Blair recommends Capable NZ to other prospective learners. He says staff help every step of the way and try to make things as easy as possible.

“I enjoyed the whole experience. I had everything at my fingertips, and the staff were always willing to help.”

He has a message to other learners looking to follow his footsteps and get a degree through Capable NZ: “Get out of your comfort zone and go after what you want. Don’t be afraid.”

Blair says it’s essential to have goals in order to achieve in life. With his new degree under his belt, he’s now looking forward to chasing his goals in the areas of development, coaching, and presenting.