Wellington ICT Graduate School #open4bizness

The new Wellington ICT Graduate School has been declared open for business.

The school is a partnership between Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington Institute of Technology and Whitireia Polytechnic, with strong collaboration from key players in the ICT industry.

It will support the rapidly growing ICT sector and deliver industry-focused education and graduates with work-relevant, business-focused skills and was officially launched by Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Steven Joyce.

“Wellington is home to some highly successful technology-based companies, and the Wellington ICT Graduate School has the strong backing from the ICT industry who are represented on the governing board, and thriving relationships with local companies and networks.”

The launch event on Tuesday 3 May in central Wellington was attended by over 200 people, including local and national government officials, academics, and key players in the lCT industry.

“The success of the event illustrates the value that the Wellington region places in its rapidly growing ICT industry,” says Rees Ward, Director of the Wellington ICT Graduate School.

Industry leaders have identified the need to grow the ICT workforce in New Zealand.

“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 to connect with students through scholarships, mentoring opportunities, internships and project work,” says Mr Ward.

Professor Mike Wilson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Faculties of Science, Architecture and Design and Engineering at Victoria University, is welcoming the launch of school.

“This is an excellent opportunity for Wellington and we are excited to join with WelTec and Whitireia to leverage our existing networks, resources and education capabilities to develop a school that will lead to a pool of ICT talent and collaborative research partnerships.”

In 2016, the Wellington ICT Graduate School will offer five Master’s-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.

http://www.wellingtonictgraduateschool.ac.nz