Central Otago campus enjoys growth

Central Otago campus enjoys growth

Higher than expected student numbers, increased demand from international students and more demand for distance learning add up to an ongoing success story for Otago Polytechnic’s Central Otago campus in Cromwell.

The philosophy of providing hands-on education through qualified and experienced industry professionals and a flexible approach to learning which suits students’ lifestyles is paying off for the campus.

“We’ve been working to make learning at Central Otago relevant to this region, our environment and the employment opportunities on offer,” said regional manager Jean Tilleyshort. “We’ve invested in working with the community and employers to find out what was needed and we’re now seeing that effort deliver dividends for the students, our local communities and our campus.”

Increased numbers of students are enrolled in several courses including the snowsports and avalanche programmes and there are also more students studying through distance delivery.

“Distance learning has had a positive effect on Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes District residents. It’s vastly improved the range of learning options available to them. For example, we have five students from Queenstown studying our midwifery degree course by distance learning. They fit their studies into their lives with minimal time actually spent on campus,” said Ms Tilleyshort.

This year the campus is likely to achieve 250 equivalent full time students, approximately 10% ahead of its targets.

There has also been a sharp increase in international students, a factor Ms Tilleyshort puts down to the specially designed courses that target those markets.

“We have a bunch of students from India here currently and an entire class of cookery students arrives from the Philippines in July for a specially designed, six month programme that will build on their existing qualifications. We’ve worked with their home institutions to put together exactly the courses they require.”

The campus continues to build its other services and activities, offering advisory services in horticulture, gardening/plants and agrichemical safety. It is also home to the Centre for Sustainable Practice which delivers the Sustainable Tourism Advisors in Regions (STAR) programme in Queenstown and Central Otago in partnership with local government and tourism agencies.

“The efforts of a committed enthusiastic team of staff are resulting in continuing improvements to profitability and the delivery of sought after, highly relevant courses,” said Ms Tilleyshort. “We’re delighted with the progress in our region.”

ENDS

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