Tourism to become an Achievement Standard subject from 2023

From 2023, tourism will be available as an Achievement Standard in New Zealand high schools.

In a massive, exciting announcement for the tourism industry, the Ministry of Education recently accepted tourism as an Achievement Standard subject, starting 2023.

This means that students will be able to earn Achievement Standards at levels 2 and 3 in high schools around New Zealand, and ITC couldn’t be more excited to see this pathway open up for young learners. In fact, we even had a hand in helping to make it happen.

Here’s a little more about the announcement and how ITC encouraged it to happen.

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Meet the graduate who took the opportunity for an International Exchange through ITC

Titi is currently working overseas with The Broadmoor.

After graduation, some students set about finding work in the industry here in New Zealand. Yet there are also plenty of students who head overseas on International Exchange Programs to gain valuable international experience.

One of those students is Titi Tomasi, a recent ITC graduate who headed to the states to work for The Broadmoor.

We recently caught up with Titi to ask her about her experience and see how she’s enjoying her time there. We also heard from Vicki Kenny, the CEO of International Working Holidays. (more…)

ITC staff have more than 187 years of experience between them – what it means for students

Our wonderful ITC and Study From Home team.

At ITC, we’re big believers in lived experience.

That’s why our tutors are just great tutors – they’re experts in travel and tourism. They have worked in the industry, travelled plenty, and know exactly what it takes to not just get into travel jobs, but to thrive in them as well.

Together, they have had more than 187 years of experience, and every one of them adds something special for our students.

187 years of experience brings ITC students more than just quality education. It brings a memorable experience for everyone they interact with, support, real life stories, and expertise. The team at ITC and Study From Home ‘go the extra mile’ every day regardless of lockdowns. This is why so many students continue their studies and recommend a friend.

Recently, we asked each staff member to share what it is they do to go the extra mile for our students, especially in regards to recent lockdowns. Here’s what they each had to say! (more…)

Behind the scenes with ITC’s blogger, Hayley

A Kiwi exploring Canada, at the famous Moraine Lake (before lockdowns!).

Usually, I write about something that’s happening with ITC or SFH, chatting to incredible graduates and wonderful ITC/SFH staff, covering industry updates, or writing about the amazingness that is New Zealand tourism.

This time, the team at ITC thought it might be an idea to write about something a little more personal – me.

You see, I’m not holed up in an Auckland office (although that is how my writing career began). I’m not actually even in New Zealand (although I am a Kiwi through and through) – I’m currently living in Montreal, Canada. As such, I’ve had a bit of a different pandemic experience than most Kiwis.

Here’s my story! (more…)

ITC sends postcards to graduates who land jobs in the industry

Sending postcards to students who have landed roles in the industry is one of the best parts of the job!

ITC doesn’t have thousands of students every year, or lecture theatres packed with hundreds of students.

At ITC, our tutors know every student by name, and throughout the course of study, get to know their students and care about them. That’s one of the biggest benefits of being a tertiary education provider on a smaller scale – our students are so much more than just numbers.

In fact, it’s this genuine relationship we have with students that led to us starting our postcard initiative! (more…)

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…)