Four key initiaitves have been announced as the focus for Accelerating Auckland's work in 2009; Rebranding as Accelerating Aotearoa, a Digital Careers Expo with DoL Immigration, a research project to establish a basis for effective internship programmes and a web-based talent tracking system.
1. Rebranding: Accelerating Aotearoa reflects the evolution of Accelerating Auckland as a charity along with its nation-wide delivery capabilities.
Focus 2009: Development of the nation-wide brand for inter-regional projects.
Delivery Partners: Open Polytechnic
Impact: A cohesive nation-wide brand for digital capability initiatives in New Zealand
2. Research: Growing Work ready Graduates: Building a pathway from tertiary education to work, through internships. An evaluation of FRST funded intern programmes to date as the foundation for future collaboration & delivery models.
Focus 2009: Analysis & evaluation of Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch programmes.
Delivery Partners: Unitec, University of Auckland, Victoria University, University of Otago, NZICT
Impact:
• Provides a collaborative & cohesive platform for internship programme delivery
• Enhances success rates of internships as a foundation learning experience for tertiary graduates
• Supports growth of an “internship culture” within New Zealand business
• Increases ability to tailor talent for tomorrow’s skilled workforce to industry needs
3. Events: Digital Careers Expos connect international students with support services and employers to help them make study and career choices aligned with NZ’s future skills needs and become “work ready” for the NZ labour market.
Focus 2009: Expos in Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch supported by a virtual event
Delivery Partners: DoL Immigration Services, University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, Private sector ICT companies, NZICT
Impact:
• Mentors international students to aid entry into the New Zealand ICT industry
• Reinforces value proposition of NZ’s lucrative International Education industry ($2.3 billion ranks NZs 4th largest export)
• Provides employers with access to NZ educated internationals for the medium & long term
• Enables a forum for industry to discuss Immigration policy issues of the day with Immigration personnel
4. Portal Development: iTRAC: Supporting Market led Education – Skilled workers for tomorrow’s jobs! A web based talent tracking system delivering skills and competency profile information, including student participation and performance data from education and training providers, to business. iTRAC enables a comprehensive view of the full “talent pipeline” along with a framework for aggregation and analysis, region by region and nation-wide.
Focus 2009: Business case & prototype development
Delivery Partners: Manukau City Council, Hui Taumata Trust, MPIA, Highbrook Business Park, MIT, DoL, NZICT, NZCS
Impact:
• For Employers a view of emerging talent, opportunity to input on the training of potential employees and the ability to strengthen links with education and training providers.
• For Education and Training Providers information on the gaps between workers’ skills and workplace needs.
• For Individuals an opportunity to profile skills and experience to both employers and education providers.
Judy Speight