SIT operations lead Daryl Haggerty said heading into the first semester of the year, it was pleasing to see the increasing level of enrolments coming through.
There had been a significant surge in trades’ enrolments; the increase seen mainly in entry-level automotive and construction programmes.
Rounding out the top three subjects for on-campus learning was health and wellbeing level 4.
"Those interested in the popular trades should act quickly to secure a space before the programmes are full," Mr Haggerty said.
The top three subjects in distance learning so far this year were workplace health and safety, photography, and applied management.
The zero-fees scheme continues for any year of study on campus in Southland and Queenstown areas, and distance learners anywhere in the country with SIT2LRN and HyFlex programmes.
"SIT is a place of opportunity for students of any level.
"We’ve experienced high levels of success with our secondary school level programmes, such as Murihiku Tertiary Academy (MTA)," Mr Haggerty said.
In 2023, 96.8% of SIT’s MTA students attended at least 80% or more of their classes, 23.5% above the national average of 63.3%; 88.9% of MTA students achieved NCEA2, 10% above the national average of 79.9%; and 79.4% of students achieved at least 80% or more of their programme credits, 22.5% above the national average of 56.9%.
Adults in the Southland region who had a post-school qualification were at 46.5%, whereas the rest of New Zealand was at 54%, according to Stats NZ 2023 data.
"With a more competitive job market in 2025, now is the ideal time to gain a qualification that equips people with the practical skills and qualifications the workforce requires," Mr Haggerty said.
SIT provided entry points at every level for adult learners to study, from certificates and diplomas to degrees, graduate and postgraduate programmes, right through to master’s.
Forging and maintaining close links with industry to ensure the programmes offered met the needs of employers and the workplace was a key part of SIT’s success, Mr Haggerty said.
"Our 2023 graduate outcomes report showed 91% of SIT graduates were in employment or studying.
"This result is consistent with previous years and indicates our graduates are desirable and achieving employment or upskilling by continuing in their studies."
SIT continued to hone its programme offering to meet industry needs, developing current content as well as offering new programmes. The bachelor of professional communication underwent development in mid-2024 opening to new students this year.
SIT hairdressing has introduced the new unified programme, the New Zealand certificate in hairdressing (level 3), this year, and SIT’s agricultural campus Telford had the New Zealand certificate in animal healthcare assisting (level 4) (rural animal healthcare), a new, unified programme. — APL
