Education awards a masterclass in excellence

ITP New Zealand, the national association for the country’s institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs), has announced the finalists for its annual awards.

“The awards show why polytechnics and institutes of technology are the most popular place for Kiwi adults to learn. The finalists can give a masterclass in excellence, real-life relevance and community engagement,” says Dave Guerin, executive director of ITP NZ.

The winners will be announced on 10th June at ITP NZ’s 2009 conference, Skilling New Zealand’s Recovery, in Wellington.

Most nominated is the Waikato Institute of Technology, which goes into the awards as a finalist in five of the six categories.

FINALISTS

Successful Co-operation

Working successfully with other education providers, the community or industry

• UCOL: Whanganui Tertiary Education Collaborative Venture.

• Waikato Institute of Technology: K’aute Pasifika partnership.

Widening Access

Widening access to learning and supporting students’ success

• Waiariki Institute of Technology: iwi radio journalism training

• Western Institute of Technology: Rugby League Education Academy.

Relevant Learning

Improving the relevance of learning to community and industry needs

• Waiariki Institute of Technology: Tokoroa Trade Training Centre.

• Waikato Institute of Technology: Employer engagement.

Quality Improvement

Quality assurance processes that demonstrably improve student success

• Waikato Institute of Technology, Self Assessment Model.

• Tai Poutini Polytechnic: development of training and standard assessment for the Extractive Industry.

Global Role

Preparing New Zealanders to live and work in the wider world, or supporting the development of education in other countries

• UNITEC: Global Entrepreneurship Monitor South Pacific.

• Waikato Institute of Technology: International Centre.

Innovative Support Services

Recognising innovative non-teaching support services

• UNITEC: Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae, Mount Albert campus.

• Waikato Institute of Technology: SODA Inc.