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| WelTec is pleased to bring you the first issue in 2011 of our Connect magazine linking industry and our stakeholders with the latest WelTec news and achievements.
Metro Chief Executives met recently in Wellington. The Metro Group is a consortium of six Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics from around New Zealand comprising CPIT, MIT, Otago Polytechnic, WelTec, Wintec, and Unitec. Key highlights of the meeting included identifying assistance to CPIT for the Christchurch recovery (see below), ways to further develop the Innovating NZ website and its functionality, discussions around the Metro Group's next collaborative curriculum development project which may develop into a Masters in Professional Practice and working on a position paper on Vocational Education and Training. The Metro Group is also focused this year on growing their capability in technology transfer. Research in this area has been completed and a strategy paper was prepared earlier in the year for the Minister of Research, Science and Technology. The Metros Get Behind Christchurch Chair of the Metro Group, Dr Linda Sissons says, "Across the Metros we currently train a lot of people for the construction industry and related trades such as plumbing, engineering, carpentry, masonry etc. These are the trades that will be in short supply in Christchurch. "The Metro Group's combined capacity to deliver training in these areas is extensive and we have a national network of employers that we work closely with so we are well-placed to open the doors wider and train more people. Our current trades programmes are full of young people training currently, but we want to do more to address the Christchurch situation. "We can offer a range of short training programmes in areas such as building site safety, use of power tools and hand tools, measuring which includes practical numeracy skills training, machinery operation, construction knowledge, timber structures to name just a few. Such programmes provide workers to industry who, once they have completed the training, will have basic construction skills and be ready to work. This Just-in-Time approach to training works well, particularly for the construction industry. "Preparing people for apprenticeships via our pre-trade programmes is another option that could be favoured by Christchurch-based industries. When the Government and industry have defined their requirements we will be ready to meet their training needs either in Christchurch with CPIT or through our other campuses around New Zealand. "We have the workshop space to accommodate more training particularly in the evenings and at the weekend. Subject to funding being made available we have a ready pool of trades people to recruit from to help train students keen to rebuild Christchurch. "It is also important to remember this is not just about traditional trades, like building and carpentry, but encompasses the advanced technology skills used in the wider construction industry," says Dr Sissons.
The Word from Industry In Hospitality it’s even more marked. "In Auckland you’ll have 200 applicants for a kitchen-hand job, this is not the case in Wellington. The difficulty for us is holding onto our students so that they complete their studies at WelTec", says Cherie Freeman, Head of the School of Hospitality and Tourism. "Employers come to us before they advertise," says Cherie. "With the forecast growth in the hospitality industry over the next four years and with the Rugby World Cup this year there is a lot of training for us to do and a lot more we could do if we had the training spaces.” WelTec's full list of training programmes is available online at www.weltec.ac.nz/SUBJECTAREAS/CoursesonOffer.aspx
Wellington employers say they receive real value from employing WelTec graduates and having students on site for work experience. The latest independent survey of 150 employers for the Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec) shows 9 out of 10 employers surveyed were satisfied that the applied practical learning delivered by WelTec met their needs. These employers went on to say that their relationship with WelTec had broadened and deepened in 2010. "The employer survey complements a recent survey of WelTec graduates who reported that very soon after completing their qualification two-thirds were employed or had decided to pursue higher qualifications. This shows that even in an economy still emerging from the impact of a world-wide recession, there is strong demand for WelTec graduates," says WelTec Chief Executive, Dr Linda Sissons. Ian Clarke, Chief Executive, Fronde Systems Group Ltd says, "As a direct result of our interaction with WelTec students through the cadetship process, most of our junior staff (15 out of 19) are WelTec Bachelor of Information Technology graduates or current WelTec students. This is testimony to the quality of WelTec graduates." "When these students graduate they have not only had three years’ of tertiary study, but also periods of work experience at Fronde. Regular practical application of the topics covered in the classroom means WelTec graduates are work ready. This means that these young people are able to add value to our company straight away. Fronde is committed to investing in young people who will drive the future success of Fronde," says Mr Clarke. "WelTec’s approach to teaching, which integrates work experience with study, really pays off and this is backed up by the employers' response to the latest survey," says Dr Sissons. "Thirteen of the employers surveyed represent the Wellington region’s largest employers (more than 100 employees). The bulk were medium sized companies with almost 40 very small companies (less than 5 employees) participating in the survey. These companies employ WelTec graduates or hosted our students for workplace projects in 2010. "81% of employers said that WelTec qualifications prepared graduates to meet the future needs of their company. In the current uncertain economic environment and with the fast pace of change in many industries this level of satisfaction is very pleasing. At WelTec we have a strong advisory committee structure which means industry directly advises us on trends and the skills graduates need. We will continue to focus on this area and listen closely to what employers are saying," says Dr Sissons.
At a special ceremony in Rarotonga, Josephine received the world’s Top Food and Beverage City & Guilds International Medal for attaining the highest distinction mark in the latest round of Food and Beverage Exams. Cherie Freeman, WelTec Head of School Hospitality and Tourism was justifiably proud of Josephine’s accomplishment. "The award recognises and rewards exceptional people whose work makes them really stand out. Josephine’s efforts really are outstanding and will place her well for future roles in the hospitality industry. "She will have no trouble finding work in any country and this is well-deserved acknowledgment for all the hard work Josephine has put in to her qualification." City & Guilds qualifications are taught in conjunction with a number of WelTec NZQA accredited qualifications. With City & Guilds offering qualifications in over 100 counties to approximately 1.8 million learners, receiving this award is a real recognition, not only of Josephine, but of WelTec’s teaching staff and curriculum. Based in Rarotonga, Josephine completed her studies at the Cook Islands Hospitality Tourism Training Centre (HTTC). The partnership between HTTC and WelTec was established in 2008. "To achieve an International Award in such a short time is a credit to Josephine and recognises the quality and strength of this partnership," Cherie continued. WelTec has been successful in promoting HTTC to New Zealand industry and as a result they have been invited to join the prestigious Toque d’or competition which will be held in Auckland on July 18 this year. Josephine has been selected as one of the members of the team (one restaurant service student and 2 chefs in the team) and is looking forward to the event. WelTec issued its 2010 Annual Report this month with strong results in all areas, demonstrating that the Institution is well positioned to meet the needs of the students and employers in the greater Wellington region. The following link takes readers through to the online edition of the Report. EPIs
"Not only has WelTec ranked above the median for all four Education Performance Indicators (EPIs) it was also rated in the top five ITPs for qualification completions in 2010. The rating levels are a significant measure for those looking to prepare well for careers and they importantly convey a clear and positive signal to prospective employers," says Chief Executive Linda Sissons. Why is progression important? The research also noted the social benefits and intergenerational benefits of people with level 4 certificates and qualifications. The Report states, "Greater support for children’s learning occurs in homes where parents have attained tertiary certificates and diplomas. For women with diplomas they are likely to have better health status and greater satisfaction with life." The research for the report also showed that employment and income varies by field of study. "Men with qualifications in engineering and building have consistently higher employment and income than men with the same level of qualification in other fields of study". At WelTec training at levels 1 to 3 is designed to pathway into higher learning so that if students wish to carry on with their studies they can do so. * Source: Benefits of tertiary certificates and diplomas, Ministry of Education 2010
The Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce hosted the Inaugural Tech after Five in association with Hutt Valley Over 100 people attended the evening at IRL and heard from each company about the exciting new technology that is being developed. They were also able to view displays of the technology that each business showcased. WelTec Connect's Centre for Smart Product was established in 2004 and has assisted many Wellington people and businesses to utilise WelTec's practical expertise, sophisticated equipment and extensive business networks. WelTec is one of the research and development organisations accredited by the Ministry of Science and Innovation for its new Technology Transfer Voucher programme and the Centre presented a case study of one of its exciting projects.
"The Hutt City Council is interested in how we can help motivate and encourage industry with high technology and a focus on manufacturing and production to the Hutt City," says Linda Sissons. "WelTec is seen as being able to make a significant contribution to this. There is more manufacturing in the Hutt City than in the 1950s and 60s, but today the focus is on the high technology/high value manufacturing area. If the Hutt City wants to be a base for high technology science-based industry then infrastructure is needed." Science Focus to training The Steering Group for the Hutt Technology Valley initiative recently presented its proposals to the Greater Wellington Regional Council, Hutt City and Upper City Councils Photo: Ray Wallace - Lower Hutt Mayor, Linda Sissons - WelTec Chief Executive, Wayne Guppy -Upper Hutt Mayor. Meeting Employer Needs - The Big (and little) Picture The key to a successful cadetship One of the different features about WelTec are the opportunities for employers to get involved with students while they are learning. WelTec students are learning on site, but are also working while they are studying, whether work placement is an optional or compulsory part of their studies, it is something that is encouraged, if not expected as part of their study programme. "There are many benefits to employers," says head of WelTec's IT School Ian Hunter. "For employers needing to supplement their workforce we have a ready-pool of keen young students with bright ideas. Employers can benefit by hosting students for work experience, employing them over the holidays or paying their fees as part of a sponsorship deal while students are studying. Employers get to "try before they buy" and are often able to free up their more senior staff whilst students are put to work on day-to-day activities. Students experience many of the ordinary aspects of working life before they graduate. This experience is invaluable for students who may also be able to supplement their income while they are studying in a job that leads into their chosen career.
An internship is an option that many smaller employers are interested in. This is where an employer will take a student for a finite period of time. For some employers, having a WelTec student on site means everyone wins. Students can apply their learning to "blue skies" projects - an idea that has been floating, but needs a new, fresh perspective to make it happen. "Our students learn how to take an idea and make it happen", says Paul Mather, head of WelTec Connect's Centre for Smart Product. "Employers can benefit as we have sophisticated high-tech equipment here that they are welcome to use. Our facilities, including our ability to offer financial incentives for R&D, as part of technology transfer vouchers is another benefit for employers. Employers need to think about any R&D research projects that require financial support and talk to us." The government has recently dropped the threshold for entry to $30k so projects which have a total cost of as little as $60k can benefit from the Technology Transfer Voucher scheme. "We have had a range of enquiries across engineering, IT and creative projects which we are delighted to be involved in. There’s plenty of scope for small companies to get involved and I welcome enquires from these employers", says Paul Mather. Paul can be contacted on 04 9202 763. The Full Package Cadet Focus More information about WelTec cadetships and work placements is available online here Cyberport, a creative digital company, owned by the Hong Kong government describing itself as a "digital community with a cluster of technology and digital content tenants" involved with supporting ICT industry start-ups and entrepreneurs has signed a contract with WelTec. This contract will involve WelTec delivering training later this year in the creative technologies to up to 60 students at Cyberport in Hong Kong. Teriu Lemon, Head of School for Creative Technologies sees the relationship with Cyberport growing over time and potentially leading to students from Hong Kong and China attending higher level courses at WelTec. Teriu says, "As part of the programme, WelTec tutors are building a 3 metre high sculpture which will include leading edge technology such as motion sensors. This sculpture will be shipped to Hong Kong and then Cyberport students will build a replica that reflects their own culture and design, learning fabrication skills and digital technology techniques along the way. This certificate programme provides a pathway into higher level study at WelTec. We are really excited about the opportunities for staff getting involved in this venture." Teriu sees the benefits of the deal with Cyberport flowing both ways. The benefits to WelTec staff: * Access to some very high tech equipment and expertise The benefits to Cyberport: * To experience how WelTec and (NZ in general) work creatively in collaboration with ALL production processes.
WelTec Connect’s Centre for Smart Business has been providing a range of staff training solutions for local and national businesses since its inception in 2010, although working with professional athletes is a new challenge for the Centre. Staff have found the needs of professional rugby players, however, are not dissimilar from other employees who have participated in WelTec Connect’s literacy and numeracy programmes. On-going learning is critical for any organisation—including both sports teams and businesses—to enhance organisational capability and lift growth and development. WelTec Connect has a long term vision and is confident the model which has worked so well for business, and now for rugby, can also be transferred to other professional sporting arenas. According to Centre for Smart Business Workplace Tutor Bob Robinson, their staff training and development courses are so successful because their flexibility allows them to meet the needs of individual students. "The main benefit of our programme is to boost skills and improve confidence in our participants. Our customised programme enables employees, and now sportspeople, to see where their skill levels are and provides individual learning activities that boost these skills." Hurricanes Professional Development Manager Steve Symonds praises WelTec Connect’s ability to deliver a programme that fits in with the demands of his players. "The game always comes first during the week but the flexibility and adaptability has ensured a high value program for the players involved in the process. I am keen to see this rolled out across the professional rugby landscape." Two members of the Hurricanes’ development squad participated in a pilot programme with WelTec Connect in 2010, which proved to be a huge success. This year ten players are participating in numeracy and literacy training with WelTec, which, according to Symonds, is providing his players with essential life skills that will create opportunities for them once they leave the game. "The transition from the professional game to life after rugby can be challenging. We want our players to develop life skills that will enhance their employability and adaptability within any post-rugby role.” "The biggest change has been those players at school and those going into the workforce this year talking about getting a career, not just a job." Robinson says the Centre for Smart Business is relishing the opportunity to work with professional sportspeople, and will be able to apply some new insights to their staff development courses for business. "Working with young ‘stars of the future’ is thrilling and challenging. Players gain confidence, equipping them for ‘real life’ as well as their sporting career." For more information on how the Centre for Smart Business can meet your organisation’s training needs, contact Elizabeth Steer, Commercial Executive on 0800 935 832 ext. 320. Photo: Rugby Academy members Mike Kainga and Donald Brighouse with Tutor Bob Robinson Source: www.innovatingnz.org.nz/news-and-case-studies WelTec Carpentry Programme Coordinator Barry Dulieu (aka Able Seaman Barry Dulieu) is flying the flag for New Zealand and WelTec at the same time, and WelTec is right behind him. The Territorial Forces Employers Support Council (TFESC) Awards recognised that synergy last month when it crowned WelTec the National Award winner for Employer Excellence in the Public Sector for 2011. A delighted and proud WelTec Chief Executive Dr Linda Sissons said the award would take pride of place alongside the Wellington Regional Defence Employer Award that WelTec earned last month. "That award, for supporting Able Seaman Dulieu when he undertook an extended posting on one of the Navy’s new inshore patrol vessels, led to the nomination for this very pleasing accolade," she said. "WelTec has had a long association with the Wellington Navy and Army Reserves, and the award will be cherished recognition of that support," said Dr Sissons. "Knowing you can count on an employer to provide that support enables you, as a reservist, to focus on the military task at hand," said Mr Dulieu. The Chief of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General Rhys Jones, spoke of the diverse range of deployments reservists are called on to take part in and the efforts of reservists alongside regular force colleagues helping the quake-ravaged people of Christchurch. "None of this is possible without a supportive employer," he said. "This roll call of diverse occupations and trades is typical of a reserve unit who not only brought their skills into the environment but also brought the military skills enabling them to easily adapt to living in a disaster zone." Meanwhile WelTec Carpentry Programme Coordinator Barry Dulieu is delighted with the support he gets from WelTec for his role as a reservist and with the award’s recognition of that support. Now he is back on the tools, sharing his knowledge with WelTec students, and no doubt some pretty good stories of life aboard HMNZS Olpherts.
From left, Alan Peck - Executive Dean Faculty of Trades and Technology, Barry Dulieu - WelTec Carpentry Programme Coordinator |
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Connect is WelTec's Newsletter to key stakeholders. |
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Talented WelTec hospitality student Josephine Rattle, has scooped a rare international excellence award from leading qualification provider City & Guilds.
A vision of the Hutt Valley as the hub of technology and innovation brought the Mayors of the two city councils (pictured) together with Linda Sissons. Employers, agencies and the two Crown Research Institutes (IRL and GNS) met to discuss giving more momentum to this vision. The project, known as the Hutt Technology Valley initiative is chaired by Charles Peterson from the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce. 
Clement Sudhakar, WelTec's Industry Partnership Coordinator says, "It’s about flexible models to suit individual employer needs. Larger employers can see the benefits - no recruitment fees, having enthusiastic students who are learning the theory at WelTec and applying their skills directly in the workplace. Contact 
WelTec Connect is using its expertise in staff training and development to assist professional rugby players with essential literacy and numeracy skills, helping to prepare them for life after rugby.