Rising new professionals secure IT cadetships

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Image: L-R Ian Clarke, General Manager NZ South at Fronde; James Brodie, Head of Centre for Creative Technologies at WelTec; WelTec Fronde cadets – Johann Sookahet, Alex Graves, Steve Harris, Kelly Carson, Ken Dixon

MEDIA RELEASE

19 June 2007

Rising new professionals secure IT cadetships

Five Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec) information technology students have achieved the ultimate student dream – a $5,000 scholarship, a well-paid holiday job working on client projects and a foot in the door with a leading IT employer.

Fronde, one of New Zealand’s leading IT companies, has selected the WelTec students for their cadetship programme from three Information Technology areas - Bachelor of IT, Diploma of Software Engineering and Graduate Diploma in Computer Assurance and Security.

Ian Clarke, General Manager NZ South at Fronde, says that the company recognises the value of bringing young, talented individuals into its team. “Cadetships allow Fronde to identify potential high flyers in our industry at the beginning of their training and nurture them throughout their studies; while also building a strong working relationship that can form the foundation for long-term employment,” says Mr Clarke.

“We were impressed with the calibre of applicants from WelTec. We have high expectations regarding the quality of candidates and a clear idea of what we want – self-starters, enthusiastic people who are likely to fit with our team.”

Second year Diploma in Software Engineering student Ken Dixon is pleased with his cadetship. “Getting a summer’s worth of experience on real work projects will help with my third year programming project,” says Ken. “If it all goes well this year I can do it again next year and maybe join the company when I’m finished.”

Information Technology Programme Manager Robert Sutcliffe says that the experience will also help students see what the industry is really like and help them make decisions about how they will specialise in the future.

“Cadets will have a buddy within Fronde and be invited to monthly staff events,” says Mr Sutcliffe. “They will have access to real projects that they can use in their study and they can start to build networks within the industry. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the students.

“We also believe that industry cadetships will help encourage young professionals to stay in New Zealand,” says Mr Sutcliffe.

Ian Clarke says that Fronde is not concerned about graduates wanting to travel. “We know that many Kiwi graduates want to go overseas. We encourage our young employees to do this, as we have a history of them coming back to us, with extra skills and experience,” says Mr Clarke.

Mr Sutcliffe says that WelTec will also be bringing Fronde staff in as guest lecturers and include them on its IT industry advisory group.

WelTec is developing similar technology cadetships in several industries including civil engineering and electrotechnology.

ENDS

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