New influx of jobs available in tourism and travel industry in New Zealand

Despite lockdowns, we’re still seeing plenty of new roles coming available in travel and tourism.

Lockdown has been tough on everyone, especially those in Auckland who remain in level 4. Yet this time around, the feel has been quite different, especially for businesses and employers in the travel and tourism industry.

Instead of hitting pause and wondering what happens next, many employers have been taking the pause to prepare for what happens next – lower levels, a mini post-lockdown boom, summer holidays, and hopefully, borders that start opening safely in the new year.

That’s why we’re seeing hiring continue and new jobs being advertised, even though travelling is limited right now. (more…)

ITC Short Course team creates Eco Tourism program

An ITC Short Course guides students to create and execute sustainable ideas for their local communities.

When the pandemic put New Zealand tourism on pause in 2020, many New Zealanders and industry groups urged that we as a country take the opportunity to make the industry more eco-friendly.

The ‘Not 100% – but four steps closer to sustainable tourism’ report released in early 2021 was just one submission outlining ways we could improve how environmentally friendly our industry could be.

Additionally, the 2021 Sustainable Travel Report by Booking.com found that 77% of Kiwi travellers think sustainable travel is vital. 

At ITC, we also believe tourism can and should be more sustainable, which is why our short course team has recently created a new course dedicated to Eco Tourism. (more…)

Meet Keeanu Cookson: From ITC short course, to full-time student, to full-time employment!

Keeanu Cookson went from short course student, to full-time ITC student, to landing a role in the industry!

One of the many pathways ITC offers into the travel and tourism industry is through our short courses in high schools all over the country.

These short courses span just one to three days, but they can be the start of a lifetime in the industry.

That’s exactly what happened to Keeanu Cookson, who began with a short course, enrolled to become a full-time student, and quickly landed a full-time job! We spoke to Keeanu, his tutor Daniel, and his boss to learn more about his journey. (more…)

A Disney Program recruiter shares what’s new, and what he’s most looking forward to post-covid

Working overseas at Walt Disney World has long been a favourite programme for ITC students.

Every year, the Disney exchange program is a popular option for ITC students.

It offers young students the change to work abroad in Walt Disney World, earning valuable experience, practicing transferrable skills, and meeting people from all over the globe in one of the most magical settings on the planet.

While the program sadly came to a halt due to the pandemic, that doesn’t mean it won’t be back one day in the not-too-distant future.

In the meantime, we chatted with Disney program recruiter Joe Iglecia-Scholl about what’s happening with the program right now, what he’s looking forward to seeing as the world recovers, and what students and parents need to know if they’re considering the program in the future. (more…)

Meet Stacey Elie: The graduate who landed on her feet after covid derailed her plans

ITC graduate Stacey Elie spent two months at Disney before the pandemic interrupted her exchange.

Stacey Elie is a wonderful recent ITC graduate who was living the dream, working at the Disney Exchange Program, when the pandemic broke out.

Despite this upset, Stacey managed to return to New Zealand and land an incredible new role in tourism thanks to her own hard work and ITC’s support. 

Learn a little more about Stacey’s journey, what she’s up to now, and her advice for students. (more…)

Meet Eitaro Goshima: The ITC graduate whose boss won’t stop raving about how amazing he is

Eitaro Goshima is a recent ITC graduate who began his studies at our Christchurch campus before moving to Auckland and continuing with level 5.

Soon after graduating, our Employment Consultant Sarndra approached Eitaro with the opportunity that she knew he would be perfect for.  She arranged a phone call with SkyCity.  By the end of the conversation both Eitaro and SkyCity employer Shaun knew he was a perfect fit for the role.  This is another example of the extra mile our Employment Consultants go to for our students. His new boss Shaun can’t stop talking about just how wonderful Eitaro has been to work with.

“Eitaro has done a fantastic job since joining the SkyCity Hotel Concierge team. Being an ITC graduate, Eitaro is a great success story, and an example of how ITC prepares its students. Eitaro settled into the team relatively effortlessly and now runs his own shift. I am impressed with his can-do attitude, his willingness to learn, and I look forward to seeing Eitaro progress in his career,” he said.

So we decided to catch up with Eitaro and find out a little more. Here’s what he had to say! (more…)

12 essential pieces of advice for graduates from ITC’s CEO, Claire Huxley

ITC CEO Claire Huxley has 12 pieces of advice for graduates.

Claire Huxley is ITC’s Chief Executive Officer and a worldwide traveller. Her background in international travel and tourism and her own extensive travels, paired with her marketing background, make her an incredible leader for the International Travel College.

Recently, Claire offered up some words of wisdom for graduates, and for those graduating over the coming months.

“Remember the lessons you learnt during this year – resilience is about learning from what you have been through and don’t forget you’ve come this far, you can do so much more!!! Focus on progress not perfection” (more…)

Updates: The world is beginning to open up again!

The world is starting to open up again – do you want to be part of it?

In March last year, countries around the world slammed their borders shut. It was a shocking move, and one that largely stopped international tourism in its tracks.

Yet in an incredible collective effort, it has taken little over a year to create and roll out a vaccine, and that has meant many countries are once again looking to open their borders and welcome international tourists back in.

Here’s a little more about what’s happening around the world! (more…)

The level 4 New Zealand Certificate in Travel starts soon – now’s your chance to enrol!

Our level 4 course is starting soon – now’s the time to enrol!

The ITC New Zealand Certificate in Travel is starting soon on July 12 at the South Auckland campus, so now is the time to enrol.

This course is perfect for anyone looking to enter the industry, offering a step up from our level 3 qualifications and additional skills and knowledge.

Here’s a little more about the course, and what you need to be able to enrol! (more…)

Enrol now for our NZ Certificate in Tourism with a strand in Tourism and Travel (Level 3)

Enrol for a NZ Certificate in Tourism with a strand in Tourism and Travel now.

Considering studying for a travel and tourism qualification to kick start your career in this exciting industry?

Now is your chance!

ITC has added a new course start date for our New Zealand Certificate in Tourism with a strand in Tourism and Travel. This level 3 course begins at the Auckland City Campus on July 12, and takes 20 weeks to complete, so you’ll be graduating at the end of the year!

Here’s more about this fantastic course. (more…)