New Zealand’s top players in the ICT industry turned out in force this week for the launch the Wellington ICT Graduate School.
In front of a strong Kiwi contingent, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Hon Steven Joyce formally declared the new School “open for business”.
“Industry leaders see the School as part of the solution to the growing shortages in the New Zealand ICT workforce,” says Rees Ward, Director, Wellington ICT Graduate School.
The Wellington ICT Graduate School will address this gap by exposing students to the industry as they undertake their study, to ensure they join the workforce attuned to the latest trends and practices.
Ward says industry partners will be able connect with students through scholarships, mentoring opportunities, internships and project work.
“The industry appreciates the School’s effort to tap into communities and demographics that have been traditionally under-represented in ICT,” he adds. “This will increase the diversity of the talent pool.”
Local government leaders, including a number of regional Mayors, joined industry figures, academics and government officials at the launch of the School, which was formed as a partnership between Victoria University, WelTec and Whitireia.
“There has never been stronger demand for highly skilled technical experts,” says Chris Gosling, CEO, WelTec and Whitireia.
“Today marks a significant step forward for tertiary education across the Wellington region with the capital’s largest tertiary education providers collaborating to deliver postgraduate ICT studies in response to, and in partnership with, the ICT industry.”
The Wellington ICT Graduate School is one of three Government-funded initiatives delivering high-quality education and skills to meet the needs of the growing ICT industry in New Zealand.
In 2016, the Wellington ICT Graduate School will offer five Masters-level degrees, with graduates becoming experts in software development, business analysis and engineering - vital disciplines for the ongoing growth of the regional and national ICT sector.