New IT Qualification to Benefit Wellington ICT Sector

Artificial intelligence, data analytics and user experience design are some of the contemporary fields identified by the ICT sector as necessary skills for today's Information Technology graduates. These skill areas have been incorporated in the new joint WelTec and Whitireia Bachelor of Information Technology available in 2019 (subject to NZQA approval).

Artificial intelligence, data analytics and user experience design are some of the contemporary fields identified by the ICT sector as necessary skills for today's Information Technology graduates. These skill areas have been incorporated in the new joint WelTec and Whitireia Bachelor of Information Technology available in 2019 (subject to NZQA approval).

The new Degree includes five majors - data science, cyber security, interaction design, networking and infrastructure, and software development. A non-specified pathway is also available.

Exciting innovation in the IT industry has driven the development of the new Bachelor of Information Technology degree. Based on current market requirements, the new degree is future-oriented to provide industry with the skills and knowledge needed for business growth and sustainability.

"Industry requires people who can think creatively, adapt to change, collaborate across teams and develop, test, refine and deploy a range of technologies,” says Director Academic WelTec and Whitireia Dr. Ruth Anderson.

Communication and interpersonal skills that enable graduates to interact effectively with others, and important workplace skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking feature in the academic programme.

In developing the new Degree the WelTec and Whitireia School of IT has drawn not only on its own expertise, but that of current learners and industry including Corelogic NZ, Intergen, Nokia, Xero, ANZ Technology and PwC.

"The success of the new Bachelor of Information Technology will rest on the ongoing partnership with industry and the knowledge, expertise, experience and commitment of our tutors. It is the strength of this partnership that has enabled us to develop a programme which we consider will meet learner needs now and into the future," Ruth Anderson.

Simon Marquis Country Senior Representative Nokia New Zealand Limited says, “We’ve been very pleased to support the WelTec and Whitireia School of IT in the creation of this new degree. Industry relies on talented people with knowledge and expertise in the latest technologies and emerging areas of development. This is a great initiative and we look forward to continuing engagement with the New Zealand academic community in the future.”

Mary Proctor Head of the School of IT for WelTec and Whitireia says, “The new Bachelor of IT builds on our excellent reputation for producing graduates with ICT skills for Wellington’s expanding ICT sector. We are especially pleased to be able to make this qualification available to prospective students who can enrol with confidence knowing they will be learning the applied skills employers are seeking.”

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