A pilot internship programme, which placed Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) students into summer jobs at businesses based at Auckland Airport, has led to permanent employment for more than half the participants.
MIT Director of External Affairs Stuart Middleton described the programme, a partnership between the institution and Auckland Airport, as a ‘Southern Initiative Success Story,’ fulfilling the aim of getting qualified local people into local jobs.
He said that MIT’s Faculty of Business and Information Technology aimed to extend the benefit to more students.
He said that the progression of the students who have secured employment underlined the value of these experiences and the excellent work done by the participating employers and MIT tutors.
“It is a fine example of partnership in action,” Mr Middleton said.
Immense potential
Auckland Airport Corporate Affairs General Manager Charles Spillane said that the ultimate goal is to get local people into local jobs.
“Our focus is on the future of this programme. The potential for growth is very encouraging as we look to expand the number of Airport-based businesses involved in the programme and subsequently increase the intake of interns,” he said.
DFS Duty Free has employed three MIT students permanently following their 12 week internship.
General Manager Julian Bottaro said that his company will support the internship programme as he is impressed by the attitude and capability of the students.
“We also want to support the ‘Southern Initiative.’ We are showing our interns that the sky is the limit. They can work for a multi-national company and if they work hard, they could reach high positions,” he said.
MIT Travel and Tourism student Hayley Lockhart, now a permanent employee, was nominated as ‘DFS Employee of the Month’ in December 2012.
“She has embraced and demonstrates our DFS values, such as working as a team, acting with integrity, and achieving excellence, every day. We are proud to have her as a part of our team,” Mr Bottaro said.
Hayley said that she has earned ‘an amazing experience’ learning about all the roles in different fields of the company.
“I can see myself going places in this company, with so many opportunities ahead of me,” she said.
According to Mr Middleton, there were nine internships given to MIT students during the summer season.
“There will be more placements next summer and Auckland Airport and MIT are exploring the possibility of a mid-year intake,” he said.
