From next year Taranaki students who are interested in a construction career will be able to access a wider range of qualifications thanks to a collaboration agreement between the Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT) and distance learning provider the Open Polytechnic.
From 2011, WITT will be offering a Diploma of Construction that will prepare graduates for a career in the construction industry.
Graduates of the WITT programme will be able to articulate into any of three construction-related diplomas offered by distance learning with the Open Polytechnic — the National Diploma in Construction Management, the National Diploma in Architectural Technology or the National Diploma in Quantity Surveying.
As part of the collaboration agreement, students will receive course materials and tutor support from the Open Polytechnic, while still being able to access additional WITT tutorial support, library and computer access and classroom facilities.
The agreement is the latest in a round of partnerships WITT has formed with polytechnics and universities around New Zealand.
“Partnerships with specialist educational providers are a critical component of WITT’s strategy to meet more of the wide and varied educational needs of Taranaki in Taranaki,” WITT chief executive Richard Handley says.
“Innovative solutions like these give Taranaki greater choice and access to tertiary learning without the need for learners to leave the region.”
Open Polytechnic chief executive Dr Caroline Seelig says she is delighted that the two institutions have been able to collaborate for the benefit of local students, industry and business.
“As a national provider of flexible distance learning, the Open Polytechnic is a natural fit to partner with regional polytechnics who need access to a wider range of vocationally- applicable courses and qualifications.”
“WITT construction students who decide to enrol with the Open Polytechnic will be able to choose full or part-time study, which means they can continue to work towards their qualification while also being able to seek work in their field of interest.”
