Strong support for new ICT Graduate School in Wellington   4 May 2016

Strong industry support for new ICT Graduate School in Wellington

New Zealand’s top players in the ICT industry turned out in force tonight (Tuesday 3 May) at the launch the Wellington ICT Graduate School.

Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Hon Steven Joyce formally declared the new School “open for business” – illustrating strong government backing.

“Industry leaders see the School as part of the solution to the growing shortages in the New Zealand ICT workforce,” says Rees Ward, Director of the 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. 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. This will increase the diversity of the talent pool,” says Mr Ward.

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.

Chris Gosling, Chief Executive of WelTec and Whitireia, who together have the largest IT delivery by institutes of technology and polytechnics in New Zealand says: “There has never been stronger demand for highly skilled technical experts. 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.”

Professor Mike Wilson, Pro Vice Chancellor of Science, Engineering, Architecture and Design at Victoria University of Wellington says: “Victoria University is proud to be joining with WelTec and Whitireia to leverage our existing resources and education capability, to develop a pool of ICT talent for Wellington and New Zealand"

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.

ENDS

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