Business of Tourism Academy & Experiences
ITC’s Academy students visiting Rangitoto. Wearing their very own Academy T-Shirt provided by ITC.
Why choose ITC’s Business Of Tourism Academy?
At the International Travel College it’s our vision to inspire students all over New Zealand to pursue a career in airline, travel or tourism. ITC has paired up with a number of academies in Auckland and Northland to offer a Business of Tourism Academy for high school students in Auckland City, South Auckland & Whangarei.
This fantastic course option will give students the opportunity to learn about tourism from a business point of view, with a real focus on the entrepreneurial side of things that Kiwis are so famous for.
This level three academy ensures learners can get the best start in the industry. Additionally, these courses cover a range of sectors in the industry, including adventure tourism, airline and airports, accommodation, activities, attractions and many more.
We have a strong focus on communication, cultural awareness, enterprise & marketing, customer service, leadership, public speaking and presentation skills. These are all valuable skills our industry demands of their future workforce.
ITC’s own Ceri Jenkins has been heavily involved with getting the Business of Tourism Academy off the ground this year. He explained why the academy is so important for up-and-coming students in the industry:
“I know many people who now work in tourism wish there was something available like this for them when they were in school. It would have provided the exact pathway they were looking for and really opened their eyes to management and business ownership within tourism.”
Academy overview
Students learn about Eco Tourism at Auckland Zoo
The Business of Tourism Academy offers 30 credits at level 3, offering high school students a chance to learn more about this exciting industry while earning credits.
As well as credits, one of the biggest benefits of this course is the connection that it builds between students and employers. Throughout their studies, students will meet with industry people during site visits and activities, which will help to build a valuable network.
The course includes a strong focus on:
- Communication
- Cultural awareness
- Enterprise & marketing
- Customer service
- Leadership
- Public speaking
- Presentation skills
Additional course benefits:
- Tutors with industry experience
- Every student receives their very own Academy t-shirt
- Multiple site visit and students participate in tourism activities
- Meet multiple industry representatives
- Get a real taste of tertiary life to help you make an informed decision after high school
- Meet new friends & have the incredible support from our experienced tutors who’ve all had industry experience
Below is a schedule of what is included in the academy’s. This is subject to change in terms of availability of certain activities on the dates suggested. An updated version of the programme will be offered at the start of the course. (Click on the below location to view the 2023 planner)
- Auckland City Overview – This is an example of our 2024 overview. This academy is held on a Friday 09:30-2:30pm
- Whangarei Overview – This is an example of our 2024 overview. This academy is held on a Friday 09:30am-2:30pm
Eligibility criteria
Students use our real onboard equipment for a practical learning experience.
Student that wish to take part in these academy options are to discuss this with their school first. The school must support their attendance over the course of 30 days in the year.
- Students must be year 12 or 13 in the year they partake in the academy
- They must have a keen interest in following a Tourism pathway
- Support from your school to attend each day
- Independent transportation to get to our campus locations on the dates required (transport during the day for site visits is organised by ITC)
Academy locations
Below are the locations and contact person for each academy we deliver. Spaces are limited and applications & enquiries must be made direct with the below contact. Students must discuss this with their school before applying. (Click on the destination for information on the below locations)
- Auckland City – The contact person in charge of the Auckland City option is Amber Hinson (Te Arataki Ki Te Uru Trades Academy Director). Please email: a.hinson@kelstongirls.school.nz
- Whangarei – The contact person in charge of the Northland option is Ceri Jenkins. You can email: ceri@itc.co.nz
How to apply?
All students must have full support from their school. If the students meet the eligibility criteria then they can contact the above contact person for the academy they wish to take part in and further instructions will be provided depending on which academy they wish to take part in.
Cost of the academy
- There will be no cost to schools. However, students will need to be classified as 0.8 FTE on your school roll and will be enrolled in an STP programme 0.2 FTE. This means your school’s ops grant will decrease by 20% per student.
- Your school will be given trades academy funding from MOE to compensate for this and, generally, the school will be better off financially. The Academy Director can arrange for financial modelling to be sent to your senior managers if they need supporting information for this.
- In addition to this, there is funding available to fund transport to and from the course each day. Again contact the person listed above for the region you are interested in.
Take a look what our academy students get to experience here. Would you like more information? Click below to contact us today.
NEW – ITC Airline & Airport or Adventure & Tour Guiding Experience – ITC Botany Campus
With sunny days on the way, you can make the most of your summer by earning a qualification in travel and tourism starting this November.
We are excited to announce our NEW
- Airline & Airport Experience in Term 2
- Adventure & Leadership Experience in Term 3
Either of these two experiences are suitable for year 12 or 13 students in secondary schools who wish to learn more about this very popular career pathway.
As you will now be aware, there are unfortunately no Tourism Academies available in South/East Auckland in 2024. This is why we have carefully designed our recent long term course options, whilst students remain at school. The below option will be operating from our Botany campus.
This will be held on a Monday (please click the below buttons for an overview):
- Airline and Airport Experience – 9 week programme term 2 each Monday, 9:30am – 2:30pm. 10 credits at level 3. Cost per student $650 + GST
- Adventure & Leadership Experience – 10 week programme term 3 each Monday, 9:30am – 2:30pm. 10 credits at level 3. Cost per student $800 + GST. (This course would be a great option for your outdoor education students too)
Each of these options will offer your students an invaluable insight and firsthand experiences of our industry, improve their self-confidence, develop key skills for future careers in all industries, showcase a range of career and further study pathways, and of course enable the student to gain robust credits for their NCEA qualifications.
This course will offer your students an invaluable insight and firsthand experiences of our industry, improve their self-confidence, develop key skills for future careers in all industries, showcase a range of career and further study pathways, and of course enable the student to gain robust credits for their NCEA qualifications.
Airline & Airport Experience Outline
Adventure & Leadership Experience Outline
If you have any students interested in these courses or have any queries at all, please contact schools@itc.co.nz to secure their place now for 2024.
