IT Hero Returns To School

News Release

Tuesday 20 November 2012
IT Hero Returns To School
Twenty one year old UCOL student Liam Mitchell has become a tech savvy hero for his old Feilding primary school this year.

The Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology (BICT) student returned to his former school in February and has since built them a website as part of his UCOL degree studies.

Liam Mitchell chats with North Street School Principal Craig Sharp outside his former school.

Liam is one of 33 third year BICT students who have recently completed their final, IT industry-based projects for local businesses and organisations.

Principal of Feilding’s North Street School Craig Sharp says the project was a win-win situation for both the school and Liam. “He needed a project and we needed a new website,” he says. “It’s also great to see what our past students are up to and work with them in a professional capacity.”

Liam spent a long time conferring with the school about their requirements and expectations before building the website. “It was really valuable to work with an actual client,” says Liam. “It has improved my confidence in dealing with people and heightened my interest in developing educational software.”

Craig Sharp says with Liam’s skills and input, they now have a website “that is far superior to anything we could have managed otherwise.”

IT company Core Technology has also recognised Liam’s job ready skills and potential. He is soon start full time employment as a Junior Software Developer in their Palmerston North branch.

“I’m looking forward to the variety of work and breaking into the industry,” says Liam.

BICT is aimed at students interested in networks and installation, programming, user support, software testing, systems analysis and database development. The programme is especially popular for its ‘applied’ focus and its ability to provide students with the skills and knowledge that are in high demand in the ICT industry.

The diverse range of projects include: wireless network analysis and optimisation, work flow analysis, software that measures motorbike performance, inventory control software, VOIP software development, and numerous dynamic websites.

The students’ final assessment challenges them to each present their project in poster form for judging. This year’s Dean’s Award for the best poster was awarded to Mbuso Moyo for his presentation of Wireless Network Optimization and Design for Longburn Adventist College. The Best Industry Project winner will be announced at the UCOL Graduation Ceremony in March.

Head of School for Business and Computing, Catherine Snell-Siddle says, “The BICT industry projects are the culmination of three years intensive study. The projects provide invaluable experience for students to manage a project in a real-life environment while benefiting their sponsors. We are very grateful to those businesses for their support.”

ENDS

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