23 October 2012

Business first in New Zealand

Local business will be connecting with MIT through a groundbreaking new initiative.

The first website of its kind in New Zealand, Manukau Institute of Technology is launching www.businessatmanukau.co.nz with the support of founding partners the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, Employers & Manufacturers Association and Greater East Tamaki Business Association.

The interactive website is designed to be the digital centre for business solutions, industry information, and discussion.

And for the first time businesses will be able to access online, free of charge, the help needed for projects from MIT students.

Dean of the Faculty of Business, John Wadsworth, says MIT produces students who are immediately employable and work ready. Assisting with real life business projects as part of their study is key to this.

“It’s about connecting our graduates with business in a mutually beneficial way. The practical project component is part of our business and IT degrees,” Mr Wadsworth says.

Greater Tamaki Business Association general manager Jane Tongatule says it’s great news for local business.

“Getting a business project resourced by a senior MIT student makes good sense. I have seen some significant projects undertaken and often the student is picked up by the employer at the end of the project.”

www.businessatmanukau.co.nz also allows potential employers to tap into the MIT alumni and make contact with graduates with specific skill sets.

Businesses can use the website to connect to discounted MIT short courses and also, if needed, request customised training solutions.

Another function is to provide business with the latest news, opinion pieces, academic writings and links to industry event through the Resource Centre – http://blog.businessatmanukau.co.nz/

Videos of interviews with business innovators and thought leaders will also regularly be uploaded.

Mr Wadsworth says users can then discuss the issues together. Interactivity is paramount, and questions, comments and conversations will be a drawing point of the site.

Feedback will also be used to help MIT shape its curriculum to meet business needs.

“Manukau Institute of Technology is a vocational institute and BusinessatManukau is a unique product that will ensure we are relevant,” Mr Wadsworth says.

The EMA is involved with the project because BusinessatManukau is going to be beneficial to local industry, says Kim Campbell, Employers and Manufacturers Association chief executive.

“Through this platform you can access MIT students for engaging on your business projects and the standard typically delivered by them is extremely high.

“You can also interact directly with MIT to advise on relevant course content, as well as contribute to discussions with other members of your industry and professional and trade organisations, including the EMA.”

ENDS

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