Never Too Old to Follow Your Dreams: Adrianne Launches Her Dream Career at 51

For a long time, Adrianne Eaddy thought she would never get to live her dream of working in the aviation industry. But at 51, she is graduating with a New Zealand Certificate in Aviation (Level 4) from Toi Ohomai and has secured a coveted job with Air New Zealand.  

After working as a security officer for more than 20 years, Adrianne decided that 2018 was the year she would follow her passion and do something she has always wanted to do – and so she did.  

“Being over the age of 50, I thought that I might be too old to learn, but I’ve just proved myself wrong,” says Adrianne. 

Adrianne has already taken up her new job as a Customer Service Assistant for Air New Zealand at Tauranga Airport and says she couldn’t be happier. 

She said that she was really happy to have made it through the interview process and says that her success can be attributed to an amazing support system, both in Toi Ohomai’s classroom and out.

“I’ve got a fantastic support team around me, from our lecturer Betty Ormsby, who is absolutely amazing, to my partner and my family – without them, I wouldn’t have got to where I am now. 

“First try, first go and I’m in!”

The 15-week full-time Flight Attendant course ran from July 2018, with Adrianne and her classmates graduating this December. The course presents students with an ideal combination of face-to-face lectures and tutorials, hands-on learning and industry visits. 

“Just wow,” says Adrianne.  

“I can definitely recommend this course and this institute, to anyone. If I can do it, anyone can.”

Adrianne’s passion and hard work has helped her launch her dream career, which serves as a great example that anything is possible, no matter what age or what stage you are at in life!