The ways we work and the ways we learn are changing and in this rapidly evolving world, ākonga (students) at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology are gaining exciting real work experience in their chosen industries.
We are all aware of the important role that education plays in our communities, particularly the transformative impact that gaining relevant skills and qualifications has for not only individuals but their whānau, their workplaces and those around them. With five main campuses across the rohe, our commitment to regionally responsive education and training is at the heart of everything we do.
Through vocational education our ākonga are given unique experiences enabling them to confidently enter the workforce, with the skills employers need.
We see examples of this across our range of courses, and recent highlights include a new partnership with Tauranga City Council who recently installed 100 sea pods as part of a living seawall on the Tauranga Waterfront. This is the first of their kind in New Zealand and the pods are uniquely designed to attract tidal plants and marine animal life. Our ākonga, Abby McDonald, will work with scientists from Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council and the University of Waikato to monitor the progress of this initiative.
In June our Culinary Arts ākonga were invited to assist with the prestigious Tohunga Tūmau Puanga Matariki Dinner. These ākonga worked alongside some of Aotearoa’s top chefs for this unique showcase of the country’s finest Māori food, beverage, entertainment and culinary arts.
We were able to leverage the recent MEETINGS tradeshow held in Rotorua to enable our hospitality, event management and tourism students to gain an insight into business events.
Ākonga not only got to experience and explore the MEETINGS tradeshow, but they attended sessions designed to develop their knowledge and understanding of the business events industry.
This enabled them to understand how their specific areas of study play a part in the overall business events ecosystem, as well as showcasing potential career pathways.
It is experiences like these that demonstrate the critical role that tertiary education plays in supporting our local industries. By developing tailored educational programmes and providing quality training, we ensure that our ākonga gain the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in these sectors.
Close collaboration with our industry partners is a cornerstone of this approach. We work hand-in-hand with local businesses to develop curriculum that reflects current industry practices and future trends. This approach, alongside quality industry experience, not only enhances the employability of our graduates but also drives innovation and growth within the region.
Toi Ohomai also recognises that Māori play a pivotal in regional social, environmental, and economic development. In this regard, we work closely with Tiriti partners to ensure that we respond to the needs of and improve outcomes for Māori learners, whānau, hapū and iwi, and employers.
With our focus on empowering communities through accessible and inclusive education, we are committed to providing equitable opportunities for all members of our community – enabling education for everyone.
The future of tertiary education in the Bay of Plenty and South Waikato is bright. We are committed to continuously evolving and adapting our offerings to meet the changing needs of our region.
This requires ongoing dialogue with Tiriti partners, industry, community leaders, and students to ensure that we remain responsive and relevant.
Ultimately, our vision is to create a learning environment that empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and drives regional prosperity.
By working together and staying true to our values, we can achieve this vision and make a lasting impact on the Bay of Plenty and South Waikato.
