Strong Industry Partnerships Create Incredible Student Opportunities
AJ Hackett Bungy NZ reached out to ITC looking for 3–4 students to feature in an upcoming SkyWalk promotional photo shoot at the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
At International Travel College of New Zealand (ITC), we believe the best learning happens when students experience the industry firsthand. That’s why we work hard to build genuine relationships with some of New Zealand’s leading tourism and adventure operators.
One partnership we’re incredibly proud of is with AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand (AJHBNZ).
For many years, AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand has been an important industry partner, creating valuable opportunities for our students both in Auckland and Queenstown. Whether it’s welcoming our Adventure Short Course students and Tourism Academy groups for behind-the-scenes site visits, meeting students at our annual Industry Expo, providing work experience placements for our Level 4 students, or employing our graduates, they’ve continually invested in the next generation of tourism professionals.
In fact, many our graduates have gone on to build exciting careers with AJHBNZ, including:
- Launching straight into adventure tourism careers after graduating.
- Turning work experience opportunities into full-time employment.
- Building careers with one of New Zealand’s most iconic tourism brands.
These success stories are a testament to what can happen when education and industry work together.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
Recently, that partnership created another unforgettable experience.
AJ Hackett Bungy NZ reached out to ITC looking for 3–4 students to feature in an upcoming SkyWalk promotional photo shoot at the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Thanks to our Employment Consultant, Sarndra Stephens, the opportunity was quickly shared with students and four enthusiastic volunteers stepped forward.
Congratulations to:
- Lucy Thomas
- Riley Williams
- Maureen Tauaitua
- Gracy Ntumba
The students spent the day taking part in a professionally staged SkyWalk experience, helping create promotional content while enjoying complimentary access to one of Auckland’s most iconic adventure activities. They were also given access to the professional imagery from the shoot, a fantastic keepsake and something they can proudly add to their own portfolios.
Experiences like this simply don’t happen without strong industry relationships.
Industry Feedback
After the shoot, the feedback from AJHBNZ Digital Specialist, Sam Mills, perfectly summed up the day:
“Your students today were awesome! I absolutely loved having them! And it was lovely to see Riley again! Thank you SO much for organising things from your end – they were such a delight to have!”
Receiving feedback like this makes us incredibly proud. It reflects the professionalism, enthusiasm and positive attitude our students bring whenever they represent ITC in the industry.
More Than Just a Qualification
At ITC, studying isn’t just about gaining a qualification, it’s about building connections, developing confidence and opening doors to real career opportunities.
Whether it’s through industry visits, guest speakers, work experience, networking events, promotional opportunities like this one, or graduate employment, our students are constantly engaging with the organisations they aspire to work for.
It’s these experiences that help our graduates stand out and often lead directly to employment.
For ITC student Maureen Tauaitua, the experience was about much more than being part of a professional photoshoot. It pushed her outside her comfort zone, helped her overcome her fears and gave her greater confidence in herself.
“My favourite part of the experience was meeting the lovely team at AJ Hackett. They were very reassuring and helped calm our nerves, which really helped me feel more comfortable. It gave me more confidence in myself and made me realise that I could do it.
I also really enjoyed the challenges we did at the SkyWalk, as they helped me overcome my fear, step out of my comfort zone and truly live in the moment.
It was such an amazing experience being part of a professional photoshoot. I felt amazing, like it was my time to shine, and I definitely didn’t hold back!
It means a lot to me that I’ve been able to have these amazing experiences through ITC. Without studying here, I wouldn’t have been given opportunities like these. ITC has given me so many experiences that I’m truly grateful for, and I really appreciate all the opportunities I’ve had along the way.”
The partnership is just as valuable to AJ Hackett. Sam Mills, Digital Specialist at AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand, shared why working with ITC is so rewarding:
“Here at Bungy, we always love working with ITC! It’s an incredible opportunity for us to see and contribute to the next generation of tourism champions. It excites us to see people with such big hearts and a passion for the industry begin their studies. Being able to introduce them to our world of adventure tourism—and the joy that comes with it—is always our pleasure.
We’ve had many ITC graduates go on to work with us, and there’s something beautifully full circle about seeing them then work with the ITC groups that come through!”
Partnerships like this are what make studying at ITC so much more than earning a qualification. They provide students with real industry connections, unforgettable experiences and, for many, the first step towards an exciting career.
We’re incredibly grateful to the team at AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand for their continued support of our students and for creating opportunities that inspire the next generation of tourism professionals.
We can’t wait to see where this partnership takes our students next.
If you are interested in adventure tourism or want to explore options to study tourism in future. Get in touch with our friendly team college@itc.co.nz , or visit our website www.itc.co.nz
Posted in In the Community, News, Study inspiration | Tagged AJ Hackett, Industry partnerships, Study at ITC | Leave a reply