Building a Future Through Tourism: Savannah’s Story

From Classroom Dream to Tourism Career: Savannah’s Journey

Savannah with her Academy classmates

Some journeys begin with a single step. For Savannah Jackson, her journey into tourism began with a simple school workshop and a dream that would eventually lead her to a career welcoming visitors from around the world.

Today, Savannah works at the iconic Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangārei, but her path to success has been one of determination, passion, and perseverance.

A proud young mum to her son, Savannah has always understood the importance of creating opportunities for a brighter future. Her love for tourism was sparked during her school years when a Flight Attendant visited her classroom to share stories about the travel and tourism industry.

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Meet Mercedes Laing, mother of two and Level 5 ITC student (with plans to become a pilot)!

Mercedes is a seriously impressive ITC student – with plans to become a pilot!

Mercedes Laing is the kind of student who is exciting to watch. She has returned to study after raising her children, is about to graduate from Level 4, and will be getting started on her Level 5 training in July.

But that’s not all – she has aspirations to fulfil her lifelong dream of becoming a pilot, and we couldn’t be more excited to be the first step on that journey, and to cheer her along the way!

For anyone who has ever thought about returning to study, or wondered if it was too late to make a career change, read on for some serious career inspiration!

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ITC Students Shine at TRENZ 2026

ITC students, Andre, Maureen, Susana, Mercedes & Lucy

This experience was about so much more than volunteering. It was an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the tourism industry, connect with industry leaders from around the world, and gain first-hand insight into how major events operate within New Zealand’s thriving tourism sector.

Throughout the event, students assisted with:

• Helping sellers set up their exhibition stands
• Manning key information areas including coat check and food stations
• Supporting delegates and exhibitors with last-minute requests and errands
• Assisting visitors and creating a warm, welcoming environment for international guests

The feedback from industry leaders was outstanding.

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Study Tourism or Aviation in 2026 and Make the Most of Fees Free Before It Ends

If you’ve been thinking about starting a career in tourism, travel, or aviation, now is the perfect time to make your move.

The New Zealand Government has confirmed that the current final-year Fees Free scheme will end after 2026. That means students who complete an eligible qualification during the 2026 calendar year can still apply for Fees Free, but future intakes may not have the same opportunity.

For students enrolling in ITC’s June and July 2026 intakes, there’s still time to complete your qualification by the end of 2026 and potentially access Fees Free before the scheme finishes.

Whether you want to study on campus or study from home anywhere in New Zealand, these upcoming intakes are designed to help you get qualified quickly and start building your future in one of New Zealand’s largest and most exciting industries.

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Meet Rose, the student who found ITC and happiness after years trying other paths!

Rose tried lots of study and work options, but wasn’t truly happy until she switched to Travel and Tourism!

It’s incredibly tough to know what you want to do with your life at just 18. Once you get a little older, you realise how challenging it is to have to try to pick a career path at that age – and then stick with it forever!

Rose was one of those students. Throughout her 20s, she studied all manner of pathways, and worked in all manner of jobs. But she knew none of it was really for her. That’s when she took interest in travel and tourism, discovered ITC, and made the life-changing decision to enrol.

Rose’s story is a particularly inspiring one, and one that will resonate with anyone who has ever been unsure of which path to take! (more…)

Meet an inspiring Level 4 Study From Home Student: Savannah Larkin!

Savannah Larkin is studying our Level 4 certificate from home, all while still working!

Savannah Larkin went to Mountainview High School in Timaru, so when she wanted to begin studying for a qualification in Travel and Tourism, she didn’t have a huge range of options.

That’s when she discovered Study From Home, and was inspired by another online learner who graduated with us before landing her dream job. Savannah is now studying our Level 4 New Zealand Certificate in Travel – all during her downtime from her job! 

Here’s what she had to say about the experience.

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Meet Samantha Kingham: The ITC Grad Living the Dream at Disney World!

This ITC graduate is living her dream at Disney World!

For many young people starting out in the travel and tourism industry, the dream is to work at Disney World. Samantha Kingham didn’t just achieve that goal – she took it one step further by landing a coveted position on the Disney Entertainment and Performing team.

We of course had to learn more and share her story. So we chatted to Samantha and learned how what began with the feeling that Year 13 wasn’t for her, ultimately led her to the job of her dreams overseas!

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Make 2026 Count: Where Your Future Truly Matters

A recent group of ITC level 4 graduates.

As a new year begins, many people find themselves asking the same question:

What’s next for me?

At ITC, we believe the answer starts with being seen, supported, and genuinely cared for — not just as a student, but as an individual with dreams, goals and a future worth investing in.

That belief is at the heart of everything we do.

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Meet Eva Bristow: One of ITC’s most inspiring graduates yet!

Eva Bristow was working full time and feeling the drive to make a change. Before long she was learning about ITC’s online options with Study From Home, hearing about the Fees Free Program, and enrolling!

The story from there has been something of a ‘Great Journey,’ so we of course had to catch Eva for an interview to hear all about it. (more…)

Meet Brooke Therond – The ITC Graduate working for Qantas!

Brooke Therond is working for Qantas after studying with ITC!

Brooke Therond knew that year 13 at high school wasn’t for her, but that didn’t mean she was giving up on study and learning. Instead, she enrolled with ITC, earned level 3 and level 4 qualifications, and is now working in “the best industry in the world”!

We chatted to Brooke to learn more about her incredible journey.

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