ITC campaigns for tourism education and awareness at major industry event

ITC’s Key Stakeholder, Ceri Jenkins, speaks at the BYATA conference.

The Backpacker Youth Adventure Tourism Association (BYATA) recently hosted its annual conference, and invited ITC’s Key Stakeholder Manager, Ceri Jenkins, to speak at the event.

The fact that ITC was asked out of all the tourism education providers in Aotearoa is a testament to the reputation of our college. Ceri took this opportunity to speak on behalf of tourism education as a whole, and to raise awareness for the importance of strong qualification options for young Kiwis interested in the industry.

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We’ve been saying this for months – Tourism needs you!

Tourism needs you now!

For months and months, ITC has known that the tourism industry will need recruits to meet demands.

With the tourism boom around the corner, we certainly have seen an increased need for employees. Our Employment Consultants have been working really hard to support past students and it’s paid off for our recent graduates! 

We knew that as soon as the border restrictions started to loosen, every tourism employer in the country would be looking to hire new staff and get ready for the inevitable rush of visitors who have been looking forward to getting to New Zealand ever since we closed our borders.

It’s our little ‘I told you so’ moment, and we couldn’t be more excited that it has finally arrived. (more…)

Behind the scenes with ITC’s blogger, Hayley

A Kiwi exploring Canada, at the famous Moraine Lake (before lockdowns!).

Usually, I write about something that’s happening with ITC or SFH, chatting to incredible graduates and wonderful ITC/SFH staff, covering industry updates, or writing about the amazingness that is New Zealand tourism.

This time, the team at ITC thought it might be an idea to write about something a little more personal – me.

You see, I’m not holed up in an Auckland office (although that is how my writing career began). I’m not actually even in New Zealand (although I am a Kiwi through and through) – I’m currently living in Montreal, Canada. As such, I’ve had a bit of a different pandemic experience than most Kiwis.

Here’s my story! (more…)

New influx of jobs available in tourism and travel industry in New Zealand

Despite lockdowns, we’re still seeing plenty of new roles coming available in travel and tourism.

Lockdown has been tough on everyone, especially those in Auckland who remain in level 4. Yet this time around, the feel has been quite different, especially for businesses and employers in the travel and tourism industry.

Instead of hitting pause and wondering what happens next, many employers have been taking the pause to prepare for what happens next – lower levels, a mini post-lockdown boom, summer holidays, and hopefully, borders that start opening safely in the new year.

That’s why we’re seeing hiring continue and new jobs being advertised, even though travelling is limited right now. (more…)

Updates: The world is beginning to open up again!

The world is starting to open up again – do you want to be part of it?

In March last year, countries around the world slammed their borders shut. It was a shocking move, and one that largely stopped international tourism in its tracks.

Yet in an incredible collective effort, it has taken little over a year to create and roll out a vaccine, and that has meant many countries are once again looking to open their borders and welcome international tourists back in.

Here’s a little more about what’s happening around the world! (more…)

A Kiwi pilot during Covid-19: A Journey from Take-off to Stand Down

One anonymous pilot shares their story of what life has been like since the outbreak of covid-19.

At ITC, we pride ourselves on our industry contacts. It’s one of the many reasons why ITC and Study From Home graduates are so well regarded amongst the New Zealand travel, tourism, and aviation sectors.

We keep in regular contact with these industry professionals, and we were recently fortunate to hear from a Kiwi pilot working for one of the major airlines. While we cannot reveal their name or their company, we can share their story about exactly what it was like for an accomplished pilot as New Zealand went into lockdown and travel ground to a halt.

From disregarding the virus as media hype, to facing reality, finding low-skilled work, and positivity through it all, this is an incredible story of Kiwi resilience and an industry that’s once again on the rise. (more…)

International student profile: Delbaere “Dhie” Bangcado

Bright, bubbly and full of life – Delbaere Bangcado chose to study tourism in New Zealand so she could overcome her fear of heights. Her inspiring story is a must-read for anyone looking to pursue a career in travel and tourism.

Delbaere Bangcado is an ITC international student from the Philippines. She loves studying in New Zealand and dreams of one day becoming a flight attendant. We caught up with her to learn about what life is like as an international student at ITC. She shares her story, as well as some words of wisdom for other international students looking to study in Auckland. 

What inspired you to move to New Zealand to study at ITC?

New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world, and I have a lot of fear regarding certain ‘adventures’ – specifically anything to do with heights! To achieve my dream (of becoming a flight attendant), I knew I would have to conquer my fear… and where better than New Zealand where I can actually enjoy overcoming it? I researched a lot of New Zealand schools online, however ITC’s marketing strategy was the best I had ever seen. Not to mention, it has an awesome Airport Training Centre. For me, ITC is by far the best option!

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5 quick questions with ITC tutor Amy McPhail

ITC tutor Amy McPhail used to be a flight attendant for Virgin Australia – it’s no surprise that flight attending is her favourite subject to teach!

Amy McPhail is a tutor at The International Travel College of New Zealand’s City Campus. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the classroom. We asked her five quick questions about her passion for aviation, travel and tourism.

1. What sparked your interest in travel and tourism?

When I left high school I had no idea what I wanted to do for a job, let alone a career. One day I was at home flicking through a newspaper and I came across an advertisement for a travel course. As soon as I saw the picture of the Flight Attendant, I knew that was what I wanted to do. A week later I was enrolled and starting my journey towards a fabulous career in travel and tourism. Completing my Certificate in Travel and Tourism gave me a great foundation to launch my career and introduced me to the wide variety of work available in this exciting industry. I have since worked in a variety of roles in the tourism industry, including working for Hilton Hotels, as a flight attendant for Virgin Australia, for a travel wholesaler and as a travel agent.

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Introducing Ronika Lal

ITC’s new Academic Services Assistant Ronika Lal loves travelling and meeting new people. Here she is pictured in Glenorchy, Queenstown

Ronika is our new Academic Services Assistant. She joins ITC from a customer service and administration background. Below she tells us why she decided to pursue a career in travel and tourism.

I studied a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Auckland initially majoring in Accounting. However, in my second year I realised it just wasn’t for me. So I had a big think and ended up majoring in International Business and Management. It just was not worth committing money, time and effort into something I didn’t love. (more…)

Don’t they look smart?

ITC students look smart and ready for the workforce since the college introduced a corporate black and white dress code

By ITC Marketing Director Claire Huxley

This is a phrase an old Aunty, or maybe your parents say, when you dress up for a wedding, family dinner or a job interview. You probably cringe and go bright red! It’s just so embarrassing, why do people care what you look like?

Well, I am sure there are some clever scientists who will explain it better than I, but basically, people form impressions based on how you look. What you are wearing will help people form instant opinions on who you are, how trustworthy you are, your social status, and even how likely you are to be promoted. (more…)