Chinese tutors return home after Kiwi teaching experience
PRESS RELEASE
25 September 2013
Eight tutors from the Guangxi Polytechnic of Construction (GPC) in Nanning, China are returning home after three weeks
of tutor training at the Wellington Institute of Technology.
WelTec signed an agreement with GPC earlier this year which will see the number of Chinese students studying civil
engineering or creative technologies increase significantly from 2014.
The eight tutors worked with WelTec’s School of Engineering and School of Creative Industries learning about the
programmes GPC students would be entering on their arrival in New Zealand. The students will have completed one or two
years of study depending on the programme at GPC and will then complete their qualifications in New Zealand with the
Wellington Institute of Technology.
This unique venture enabled the tutors to experience the Kiwi way of living whilst completing their tutor programme and
familiarising themselves with the New Zealand curriculum. They also visited iconic tourist spots in Wellington and the
South Island, building their understanding of the country.
“We were very pleased that the Guangxi Polytechnic of Construction supported their staff to be with us for the last three
weeks. Students from Nanning arriving in Wellington next year will now be well placed to successfully complete either a
New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil) or Diploma in Creative Technologies. There will also be the opportunity for
students to pathway into our degree programmes if they wish,” says Dr Sissons.
“GPC is a highly respected and specialised construction school in China offering three-year diplomas in engineering,
construction, infrastructure and IT subjects. With more than 2,500 graduates each year who are in high demand by local
industries, we are very much looking forward to welcoming students in 2014,” says Dr Sissons.
ENDS