ITC’s Business of Tourism Academy’s

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 – This is an example of our 2023 overview. This academy is held on a Friday 09:30-2:30pm
South Auckland – This is an example of our 2023 overview. This academy is held on a Monday or Wednesday 09:30am-2:30pm
Whangarei – This is an example of our 2023 overview. This academy is held on a Friday 09:30am-2:30pm

ITC Academy Flyer

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
South Auckland – The contact person in charge of the South Auckland option is Steve Perks (Te Arataki Ki Te Uru Trades Academy Director). Please email: PK@manurewa.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.