ITC short course inspires Rotorua students
ITC short course students get a taste of adventure with Kawarau Jet Boats!
The International Travel College (ITC) recently delivered a short course in one of the North Island’s most popular tourist hubs, Rotorua. Home to bubbling geysers, beautiful lakes and an awesome collection of adventure activities, you couldn’t ask for a better backdrop to teach about travel and tourism.
Although ITC’s campuses are based in Auckland, the College has a team dedicated to delivering offsite short courses around New Zealand. Rotorua was the last offsite destination for 2014 and it certainly ended the year on a high note.
ITC short course tutor Mel Verwijmeren came back to Auckland buzzing after her experience teaching students from the Rotorua School For Young Parents and Rotorua Girls High School.
“For me gaining respect by giving each student the respect they deserve is what makes these short courses a success. The relationship is formed on day one and by day two it’s like we have all known each other for much longer,” Mel said.
Mel specifically designed an action-packed four day course to give the girls a fun introduction to the industry.
The first two days covered flight attending topics such as safety and inflight service. As with all ITC courses, there were plenty of role plays and practical activities.
Days three and four focused on the travel and tourism industries. The students had the chance to get out of the classroom and see two of Rotorua’s leading accommodation providers: Novotel and Base Backpackers.
At both places the students were treated to a tour of the facilities and an informative talk from a staff member. These tours were really successful – students were offered the opportunity to come in for work experience and one girl even landed a role with Novotel!
The response from the students was incredibly positive, with one student writing on her feedback form: “I have learnt so much and it really opened my eyes up to what I want to do.”
The course also provided students with the opportunity to gain some Level 3 credits, but perhaps more importantly it opened their eyes to all of the tourism jobs in their very own backyard.
“We wanted to show students what’s right there on their doorstep,” said Mel.
“This course really allowed the students to open their eyes to the opportunities in Rotorua. Because we worked with young parents, it also inspired them to reach further to achieving their dream jobs. I love being part of that journey.”
Mel added that the short course provided the Teen Parent Unit with valuable contacts, so they could help future students find jobs in the industry.
“Importantly it gave the school we worked with three new contacts in their own city to help with work placement. This is not an easy task in itself so we were happy to help form this relationship.”
All in all it was a great way to finish the year! In 2014 ITC delivered courses in Paihia, Whangarei, Gisborne, Taipa and Rotorua, in addition to courses across secondary schools in Auckland.
There are nine destinations on the list for 2015, so it is shaping up to be bigger than ever! If you’re interested in bringing an ITC short course to your school, please get in touch by emailing schools@itc.co.nz.
Posted in In Schools | Tagged aviation short courses, Base Backpackers, Flight attending, flight attending workshops, jet boating, Kawarau Jet Boat, New Zealand, Novotel, Rotorua, tourism short courses | Leave a reply