Empowering diverse learners and transforming lives 

Poppy Clapperton is Tumuaki / CEO at Industry Training Solutions Ltd

With over 20 years experience in vocational training, Poppy believes that education is about transforming lives, especially for Māori, Pacific, neurodivergent and disabled learners.

Through Industry Training Solutions (ITS), Poppy’s brainchild, she has cultivated an inclusive, welcoming environment filled with manaakitanga; delivering a programme of courses, resources, and activities tailored to meet diverse student needs, all within a framework of individualised and mixed-model learning. The short, intensive courses are delivered nationwide and cater to schools, iwi, community groups, and regional employment initiatives such as Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs.

Since 2021, Poppy, with her husband and dedicated ITS team, has also run the purpose-built All-Sorts Centre, a multifaceted hub for disabled learners that promotes holistic learning and whānau with community engagement. This transformative endeavour embodies a paradigm shift towards inclusive education and community integration. In 2022, Poppy received the Inclusive Business Award at the Manawatū Business Awards.

A student’s mother describes her success, “What you are doing is bringing together and empowering disabled people and families.”

A student shares “I was real nervous to start, and not sure if I could do it, but I have really been supported by Poppy.”

Poppy believes there is nothing better in the world “than providing a service that enhances the lives of others, that allows them to grow and live their best life.”