Creating the spark for business success
With plenty of experience as an electrician, Josh Verstraten was ready to branch out from employee to business owner, but he knew running a successful business would require a new set of skills.
Today, the Carterton-based electrician is busy building his own business. Before taking that leap, he enrolled in Certificate in Small Business at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
Looking back, he believes it was one of the best decisions he made, giving him the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools needed to turn his business goals into reality.
"I know how to be an electrician, not how to be a business person. The programme opened my eyes to so many things I hadn't even thought about," says Josh.
Josh's introduction to Te Wānanga o Aotearoa came through his wife, who had previously completed Certificate in Money Management.
Inspired by her positive experience with kaiako Jeanette Hall, and her wealth of business knowledge and expertise, Josh decided to take the next step in his own learning journey.
"I'm a big believer that you should learn from people who have actually done it. Jeanette has run businesses herself and has been teaching for years, so it made sense to learn from someone who truly understands business."
As a new business owner, Josh quickly realised there was much more to running a company than simply being skilled in his trade as an electrician.
The programme challenged him to think about everything from financial planning and marketing to business structure and long-term goals.
"Jeanette asked questions that never even crossed my mind. Things like having an exit strategy, setting goals and planning for the future. I was thinking week to week, but I learnt to think about where I want the business to be in 5 or 10 years' time."
Just months after officially launching his business, Three Watt Electrical, Josh is already experiencing the rewards of careful planning and implementing the new knowledge he has gained.
"Business is going well. I'm super busy and that's a good problem to have."
Since completing the programme, Josh is confident that he has the skills, knowledge and long-term vision needed to continue growing his business successfully.
Learn more about our business programmes.
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