The Otago Polytechnic opened a Community Learning Centre in Mosgiel four years ago offering NZQA qualifications in computing and business administration.
Now the centre had about 1100 people enrolled in courses and an 85% success rate for people gaining employment with their new qualifications, supervisor Jacquie Hayes said.
"It's uplifting for us to see them achieving."
Otago Polytechnic chief executive Phil Ker described the centre as a "roaring success".
Each of the polytechnic's four community centres had their own flavour, he said, allowing them to understand and address their community's needs better.
"Taking the opportunities to the people" was a key part of the polytechnic's approach, he said.
The centre was also proving its worth in the difficult economic climate - about 80% of the workers made redundant from the soon-to-be-closed Fisher and Paykel factory at Mosgiel had been taking polytechnic courses.
Many of the staff from the factory had gained skills while on the job and the learning centre helped them obtain relevant qualifications, Ms Hayes said.
A "Work Ready" programme allowed them to brush up on interview skills and CV presentation.
Unit standards in health and safety, customer service and computing were also on offer.
As a recession loomed, making the most of opportunities to gain qualifications would make employees more valuable and resilient, Mr Ker said.
He said one of the centre's success stories was Lynda Kelly, of Mosgiel. She was working as a teacher's aide, when she decided to change career paths. Having not attended a job interview in 10 years, she realised there was a gap in her CV.
In 2007, she enrolled in a national certificate in computing course, which she studied towards part time.
The skills Mrs Kelly learnt from the course gave her the confidence to go to an interview knowing her ability was backed by a qualification.
"It gave me a real confidence boost."
Before she was able to complete the qualification, she was offered a job as an administrator.
She was enjoying her new role and would continue at the centre until she completed her course.
