Ms Clough has worked at Eventide for eight years and willingly took on the challenge to increase her skills, studying in her own time.

The course was coordinated by South West Tafe in Hamilton and involved study by correspondence and on-the-job training.

Eventide Homes executive officer Sue Blakey said Ms Clough should be congratulated both for her achievement and her commitment to the residents at Eventide.

``Eventide promotes training opportunities for staff and has also undertaken a commitment to employ young trainees, which has proven very successful to date,'' Ms Blakey said.