New IT Training Provider

Central North Island To Benefit From New IT Training Provider

Information Technology Institute, a training organisation that fast-tracks non-IT graduates into IT careers, has announced it will open a campus in Taupo later this year in partnership with the Lake Taupo Development Company.

ITI Managing Director Chris Mitchell and LTDC Chief Executive Barry Delany say ITI’s Graduate Diploma programme will upskill the local population and provide a rich recruiting group for Central North Island businesses who want highly skilled, well-rounded IT staff.

Mr Mitchell says ITI’s nine-month Graduate Diploma in IT is unique in New Zealand in that it includes three months intensive practical training followed by six months working on a ‘real time’ project with a local employer who has been involved in the student selection process.

ITI opened campuses in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch earlier this year and Mr Mitchell says there has been strong interest from potential students and an excellent response from high calibre businesses in those regions signing on as ITI business partners. He says he expects a similar response in the Central North Island.

“Because our students also have degrees in other disciplines such as arts, science or commerce and may have had a career in another area, they are well-rounded and often have excellent business and communication skills. That makes them very valuable to employers, who know they will hit the ground running as soon as they start a job.”
Mr Mitchell says ITI’s decision to deliver its Taupo programme in partnership with LTDC is part of its philosophy of cooperating to compete. He sees potential for further cooperation with LTDC given its involvement in the Lake Taupo University College e-park and related projects.

LTDC Chief Executive Barry Delany says the partnership with ITI reflects its vision of getting sustained economic growth and retaining the benefits of that growth within the region. He says ITI and LTDC are “a good fit”.

“We have the local knowledge and ITI has the industry expertise, that’s the key benefit to getting improvement in the IT infrastructure in and around our region. We’re also involved with the University College and the critical difference of that University College is that it will be closely aligned with industry - ensuring graduates have the skills business wants. ITI has the same philosophy.”

Chris Mitchell says students pay $11,500 for the NZQA approved Graduate Diploma in IT and because of the strong business involvement, are almost guaranteed work on graduation. During their study students may be eligible for a $15,000 p.a. tax free allowance in addition to usual student loans and allowances.

ITI is now taking applications for the first Taupo programme which is scheduled to start in June 2002. It’s also recruiting teaching staff and looking to sign on regional employers. Mr Mitchell says the ITI programme combines the most advanced e-learning environment in the country with traditional teaching methods. For more information on ITI and the Lake Taupo Development Company Ltd visit www.iti.co.nz and www.ltdnz.com

Ends

© Scoop Media