PRESS RELEASE

21 July, 2014

Summer of Tech programme expands to include local manufacturers

The success of the Summer of Tech student internship programme has seen it extended to Wellington manufacturing businesses this year.

Summer of Tech was established in Wellington in 2006 to connect students with local technology companies.

Since then 65% of students involved have gone into employment with businesses (or related businesses) in which they were interns. Last year, 32 companies took on 71 interns through the programme.

The programme has been extended this year to include manufacturing companies looking to incorporate technology into their products along with software development companies from the Wellington region.

“Manufacturing companies increasingly use a high level of technology. Teaming up innovative businesses with interns to work on new projects is a great way to help both companies and students,” says Adrian Gregory, General Manager of Innovation and Workforce for Grow Wellington.

Thirteen technology companies from the Wellington region appeared in last year’s TIN100, which measures the performance of New Zealand’s largest export-focused technology companies. “We want to ensure growth and innovation continues in the sector,” says Mr Gregory.

John Clegg, founder and director of Summer of Tech, said he was excited to be working with Grow Wellington to streamline the programme for the manufacturing sector.

“Our focus at Summer of Tech is to make it easier for employers to find the right graduate. We're looking forward to showcasing the talents of our students and help them start their careers in manufacturing."

Following interest from other parts of the country, this year’s Summer of Tech programme also includes a pilot involving Auckland businesses.

The programme launch will be held on Tuesday July 22 at 5.30 to 7 pm at Macs Brewbar & Restaurant, 4 Taranaki Street, Wellington. Companies interested in attending or being part of the Summer of Tech programme should contact Cath Randall at Grow Wellington.

For further information:
www.summeroftech.co.nz

Background information

Grow Wellington have been working with Summer of Tech since the programme began in 2006.

Through the programme, companies obtain student interns for 10 weeks between November and February. Prospective students take part in CV clinics, site visits and boot camps throughout the year to prepare them for future employment.

The majority of students work on 10-week projects in software development, however, increasingly businesses are taking on students for projects in mobile and web development, testing, support, analytics, business analysis and design.

Students taking part are mainly from Victoria and Massey universities, WelTec, Whitireia, and Yoobee.

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