Published on the 18/04/2016 | Written by Newsdesk

New Degree Accreditation programme helps students and businesses to identify courses that will best prepare them for the real world.

An NZ Tech survey conducted last year showed that the tech industry intends to recruit around 10,000 employees over the next three years. The problem is that there have been a number of stumbling blocks to finding or identifying people with the right skills.

The Institute of IT Professionals (IITP) has sought to change that, and iStart has followed its progress over the years (eg the launch of the Chartered IT Professionals accreditation).

One such stumbling block is the wide and unhelpful gap between the topics taught in ICT courses at a tertiary level and the skills sought by real live technology companies. This month the IITP announced another major milestone in its education strategy: it revealed the first six computing degrees to be accredited and endorsed by through its Degree Accreditation programme.

Institutions now offering accredited and industry-endorsed computing degrees include AUT University, Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT), Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT), Massey University, Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) and Whitireia New Zealand.

The number of accredited programmes is expected to grow, with several other institutions currently investigating accreditation including the University of Auckland and Ara (formerly CPIT).

IITP chief executive Paul Matthews is, of course, pleased with the result, referencing the “significant work” that has gone in to putting he programme in place. He was also pleased to see a mix of large and small institutions from both the main centres and the regions achieving accreditation.

“The offerings from these institutions are as diverse as the industry itself and we can confidently say these programmes provide excellent pathways to the IT industry.”

The Programme is aligned with similar accreditations in many other countries around the world, and recognises computing and IT degrees that provide the best pathway to industry in New Zealand and abroad.

Professor Stephen MacDonell, Chair of the IITP Accreditations Board, said in a statement that the accreditation programme is a very thorough process. “Students of these programmes can be assured their degrees are robust and will be recognised both locally and on the international stage.”

Accreditation is done at the invitation of the institution then a visiting panel and the accreditations board will consider whether that institution meets the needs of local industry.

“As such we pay particular attention to evidence of things like industry engagement, team-work, practical application of theoretical skills, staff capability, and professional practice,” MacDonell said.

The first six New Zealand accredited programmes include:

• AUT University: Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences
• Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT): Bachelor of Computing Systems
• Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT): Bachelor of Information and Communication Technologies
• Massey University: Bachelor of Information Sciences (majors in Computer Science, Information Technology and Software Engineering)
• Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT): Bachelor of Information Technology
• Whitireia New Zealand: Bachelor of Information Technology