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From Short Course High School Student to ITC Team Member!!!

Posted on 04/02/2026 by

Leilah in the ITC aircraft cabin.

Every year, high school students around Aotearoa learn about the travel and tourism industry through our Short Courses taught in high schools. Just two years ago, Leilah Va took one of these courses as a student at Edgewater College.

From there, she went on to study the New Zealand Certificate in Tourism with a strand in Aviation Level 3, then the New Zealand Certificate in Travel Level 4. It goes without saying that Leilah was a dedicated, fantastic student, and now, she is one of ITC’s newest recruits as a Student Services Advisor.

Leilah is the perfect person to support new students, as she can lean on her own recent experiences as a student. Of course, we chatted to Leilah to learn more!

What stood out about ITC during your short course with Daniel in 2024?

One thing that really stood out to me about ITC during my short course was how supportive and welcoming the learning environment was. Daniel made the course engaging and easy to understand, and I felt encouraged to ask questions and participate. The course didn’t just focus on theory, it also helped build confidence and practical skills over two days, which made a big difference for me.

What were some memorable moments from your time studying?

Some of the most memorable moments were working alongside other students and feeling a real sense of teamwork. Being able to learn in a hands-on environment and seeing my progress over time was really rewarding. I also appreciated how approachable the tutors where it made studying feel less stressful and more enjoyable.

Tell us about your new role, what does a typical day look like for you?

In my new role at ITC, a typical day involves supporting students and staff, trying to stay organised, and learning something new every day. I enjoy being part of a busy environment where no two days are the same. It’s been great getting to know my peers that were once my tutors and understanding how everything works behind the scenes.

Where do you see yourself in the future, and what do you hope to gain from this experience at ITC as an employee?

In the future, I hope to continue growing within ITC, building my skills and confidence while gaining valuable work experience. I’m excited to learn more about the education and aviation industry and develop both personally and professionally. I’m also very interested in the Disney program, which I will be checking out before this year’s in-take. Being part of ITC is an opportunity I’m really grateful for, and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.

Where will you be in two years?

Leilah’s story highlights just how quickly your life can change. For her, studying with ITC in high school led her two gain two industry-recognised qualifications, then begin a job working with us to support other students!

What difference could two years make for you?  

Contact us today to learn more about our course options, how to enrol, and more!

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