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WelTec is pleased to bring you the second issue of our Connect magazine linking industry and our stakeholders
WelTec sits among the country's top Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics in results published by the TEC today, for qualification completions and progression to higher study. WelTec’s Chief Executive, Dr Linda Sissons responded to the publication of the government’s education performance indicators today. In noting a lower score for course completions in 2009, she described this as an anomaly which has already been corrected in WelTec’s results as at mid-year 2010 at 74%, well above the sector average. "We are delighted that WelTec was rated in the top 5 for qualification completions, the most significant measure both for individuals who want to equip themselves for their careers, and for employers to whom it sends a clear, positive signal. "These good results also reflect what other recent external surveys have revealed about WelTec, said Linda Sissons. "In an independent survey of employer opinion conducted this year, 94% of employers rated WelTec’s qualifications as relevant; 90% judged WelTec’s graduates as work ready; and 90% believed that WelTec’s qualifications prepare students for the future needs in their industry. "In other surveys two-thirds of our graduates, who had very recently graduated, advised us they were already in employment and/or going onto further study. 80% of our Bachelor of Alcohol and Drug Studies graduates were employed in a field directly related to their WelTec qualification with 15% planning graduate study. 80% of WelTec’s Bachelor of Hospitality Management students were employed and/or planning graduate study. 93% of WelTec’s National Certificate in Community Support graduates were employed in an area directly related to their qualification and/or planning further study. "At WelTec we pride ourselves on working closely with companies, industry and professional associations to produce graduates that are work-ready. These results mean WelTec is on the right track. A large proportion of WelTec students do gain a qualification sought after by industry. "Our students are supported by excellent teaching, direct industry experience and support services when they need it. We are confident that our students achieve relevant, highly-sought after qualifications," said Dr Sissons. > Check out WelTec's Key Statistics
Innovation and Technology Focus
> WelTec's partership with industry heats up A growth in global demand for the technology has led the company to WelTec's Centre for Smart Product, a hub of applied research expertise. “We have been working closely with WelTec to look at specific products lines where we are seeing the most growth. We will be incorporating these learnings into product design and processes so that we can manufacture high quality products more quickly, cost effectively and accurately," says HTS-110 Product Manager, Tijs Robinson. > Meeting with Hon Dr Wayne Mapp, Minister of Research, Science and Technology Linda Sissons, WelTec Chief Executive and Tim Allen, General Manager Business Development met with the Hon Dr Wayne Mapp on 1 September 2010. This very successful meeting focused on the role of Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics in contributing to the government’s R&D initiatives outlined in its new Igniting Potential policy. WelTec led a presentation to Foundation of Research Science and Technology officials on the Metro Group of Institute of Technologies and Polytechnics R&D track record and capability. WelTec will apply for accreditation to be eligible for the new Technology Transfer voucher scheme for SMEs which is about to be launched with a limited offer.
Jane Muru, a researcher working with companies, has just completed research into WelTec cadetships. She has discovered some interesting features of cadetships. The term 'cadetship' is often applied to interns, although the two are slightly different. A cadet generally works with an employer at all stages of study but interns are new or nearly new graduates engaged for specific projects and research.
'Cadetship' is used to describe a variety of flexibly structured work experiences that may include a fee scholarship, part-time paid employment, research, short-term work experience, and opportunities to simply observe and 'shadow' other professionals Through her research Jane reports that 95% of WelTec students undertake work experience as part of or while studying for their qualification. The integration of work experience with academic study is a key feature of WelTec’s programmes. Having real hands-on experience with industry while students are studying means students’ learning is greatly enhanced. Many of WelTec’s students go on to work for the employers they have been placed with while they are studying. 100% of IT cadets studying at WelTec successfully completed their courses via their cadetship. Other cadetships are equally impressive (93% for civil, 91% Opus). A recent report by Jane described the different forms of work experience at WelTec, student numbers, and the factors that impact on partnerships with industry (such as funding, internal resourcing and the requirements of external standard setting bodies). The report highlighted the educational and business advantages of optional work experience within academic programmes such as cadetships (as opposed to core component requirements for programme completion), and the higher levels of successful performance by students actively engaged in cadetships compared with those who are not. WelTec is working with industries to offer more cadetships in a wider range of disciplines. Image: Fronde Cadets 2009
IT School Connects With Industry The Silicon IT Lab marks a significant investment for WelTec with an upgrade to the latest networking equipment and a refit of teaching facilities amounting to approximately $300,000. Locally-owned provider of IT hardware and software solutions, Silicon Systems, has also contributed to the new teaching facilities providing two suites of computers to support the next generation of networking specialists. Reported to be the most up to date communications equipment in the region, WelTec’s custom-built teaching facilities include a fully air conditioned, alarmed and anti static environment to protect the equipment and to ensure student safety. The new facilities are set to be well-used by WelTec’s Bachelor of Information Technology and Bachelor of Engineering Technology students. Current and expected demand for training in networking means the teaching facilities will be in use 8am – 9pm, 4 days per week. According to Ian Hunter, WelTec’s Head of School of IT, a career in networking has excellent career prospects both in New Zealand and internationally. “The demand for networking training is a promising sign” says Ian Hunter. “New Zealand’s rapid adoption of internet and the planned upgrade of the communications infrastructure to allow higher speed internet access will result in an increasing need for qualified networking specialists.”
On 16 August WelTec was announced as one of nine Trades Academies in New Zealand. The Wellington Trades Academy will offer Wellingtonians in their final years of secondary school the opportunity to study at WelTec while continuing their secondary studies. “The Trades Academy at WelTec will develop a strong trades and technology base for Wellington industry," says Dr Linda Sissons. "Our engineering, building and construction and hospitality employers want to encourage more young people into their industries. Often times there are amazing work opportunities for young people and the Wellington Trades Academy will provide a great pathway for young people into industry."
Each student pairs up with a mentor from the Quantity Surveying industry who will provide information and advice about what it’s like to work in the industry and other helpful instruction gained from working in the current construction environment. WelTec Quantity Surveying student Lil MacNeil says the mentoring scheme has real merit for students. "When I heard about the mentoring programme I was absolutely keen, I thought it was a fantastic idea." “The opportunity to pair up with a mentor, go onsite and get a real glimpse of the industry is great help while you’re learning. It’ll give us that bigger picture on the construction industry and where our studies fit in.” Images: WelTec Quantity Surveying student Lil MacNeil and Mike Brannigan, Head of School, Carpentry and the Built Environment.
The student magazine showcases a range of home grown creatives from musicians, artists and tattooists to New Zealand-born international jewellery designers, with a distinctly kiwi flavour. In accordance with the spirit of inspiration, the WelTec students conducted a series of interviews with New Zealand creatives, which include Alpha Shift, Jonny Hilson, Ross Hemara, Bruno Merz, Mark McDevitt and Shel Yang. Each interview centres on how the artist found their way to working in the creative industries, their passions within their field and their advice to the next wave of artists and designers.
With over 900 competitors the Fare is the world’s largest annual competition of its kind. Cherie Freeman, Head of WelTec's School for Hospitality & Tourism, says the competition provides students with an excellent opportunity to match their skills against those of their counterparts. The Toque d'Or team of students Melanie Carr, Olivia Swaford and Emily Latham-Prokopowicz say team cooperation was the secret ingredient to their success. Encouragement was vital when the team lost power and gas for half-an-hour at a crucial stage in the competition. “Emily’s encouragement and positive feedback was key to keeping our spirits up and ensuring that we pushed through and successfully completed the competition," says Melanie. "It is an honour to be invited to compete, let alone acheive the success our team has. The team did very well, and I’m very proud of them. When the power and gas went out the students were out of their comfort zones and dealt with this remarkably by being able to put up the meals in the allocated time frames. During the event, their was no doubt of their ability. A lot of students have gone on to become highly successful upon competing at Toque d'Or." says Chef Tutor and Toque d'Or trainer, Ray Morrell.
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Connect is WelTec's Newsletter to key stakeholders. |
A 100%-owned subsidiary of WelTec, WelTec Connect allows us to extend our existing commercial services and promote them more widely. Tim Allen, General Manager Business Development, says, "We want to provide a gateway into WelTec for the business community to access our expertise and a mechanism to develop and commercialise Intellectual Property, something which WelTec is particularly keen to encourage and support. This is an exciting development for WelTec and one that makes a very strong statement about our commitment to working even more closely with industry to provide practical solutions."
WelTec Connect is represented by four staff as part of their WelTec roles: Tim Allen, Paul Mather, Director of Technology Development and Transfer; Elizabeth Steer, Commercial Executive; and Nina Wilson, WelTec Connect Administrator.
WelTec has partnered with HTS-110 Ltd to support the expansion of magnetic solutions which use high-temperature superconducting (HTS) wire for a range of industrial applications for a growing number of global clients. 
WelTec officially opened their newest computing facilities on 15 July. WelTec's Silicon IT Lab includes the latest in networking and telecommunications equipment which simulates a real networking environment for WelTec Information Technology students. 
100 secondary school students from the Greater Wellington Region will soon have the opportunity to get a head start on their peers at the Wellington Trades Academy. 
Scott Bregmen has been recognised with the Ako Aotearoa Tertiary Teaching Excellence Award for sustained teaching excellence during an awards ceremony at Parliament Buildings on Wednesday, 4 August.
Thursday, 12 August, Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec) in conjunction with the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveying, the fourth only TEI with whom they are partnering, has launched a mentoring scheme for WelTec’s Quantity Surveying Students. The joint initiative will provide students with useful advice and support throughout their studies. 
