New Council for Wellington Institute of Technology

New Council for Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec)

WelTec today endorsed moves by the Minister for Tertiary Education, Steven Joyce, to encourage closer collaboration with Whitireia Community Polytechnic and The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand (TOPNZ) by making joint appointments to their governing bodies.

“WelTec has worked closely with Whitireia and TOPNZ on a number of projects under the banner of the Wellington Regional Polytechnic Federation in the past three years. Joining forces to gain greater efficiencies over supplier contracts is just one example of where we have worked together to get a positive outcome for all three institutions” said WelTec Chief Executive Doctor Linda Sissons. “I am sure our students and stakeholders will view the Minister’s appointments as beneficial by giving us the opportunity to greatly enhance our scale of operation.”

“We have also moved to ensure continuity for WelTec going forward with four members from the current Council continuing as members of the new Council,” said Doctor Sissons. “Our focus at WelTec is very much on meeting the needs of industry by providing graduates with the right skills and attitude to contribute in the workplace. 70% of our most recent graduates are employed or planning further study. 76% of our Bachelor of Alcohol and Drug Studies graduates are employed directly in the field of their qualification with the remainder planning further study. Two-thirds of our recent Bachelor of Hospitality Management graduates were employed by industry.”

“These statistics were collated very soon after students completed their qualification. Despite the recession there are some very positive trends with industry clearly seeing the benefits of employing our graduates,” said Doctor Sissons.

Gregory Keating, General Manager of the Duxton Hotel, Wellington who chairs WelTec’s hospitality advisory committee says, “WelTec produces work-ready graduates with qualifications and skills needed by the hospitality industry. At the Duxton we rely on WelTec to provide us with staff who can work across the spectrum from front office through to hotel management”.

Mr Keating welcomed a new-look Council for WelTec. “The greater Wellington region will benefit from polytechnics working together providing training solutions for employers. We need a greater focus on Wellington providing excellent hospitality services. There will always be strong demand for people with the right training and WelTec with its new Council is well-placed to provide this.”

ENDS

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