The first 90 students from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia governments Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) have arrived in New Zealand for the King Abdullah Scholarship Program for Technical Trainers (KASPTT). PINZ has signed a four year study program agreement with TVTC and we are excited to see our first lot of students in New Zealand.
PINZ Chief Executive, Honè McGregor confirmed that Immigration New Zealand has approved long term study visas for over 120 students. A further 20–30 are expected over the coming four weeks. The students are to study English language and Bachelor degree programs at seven of New Zealand’s ITPs; Unitec, Manukau Institute of Technology, Whitireia Community Polytechnic, Wintec, UCoL, Weltec and CPIT.
The ‘three years’ plus integrated study program includes initial English language study, followed by two years study in their area of technical specialty, which includes a mixture of mechanical, electrical, electronic, civil, chemical and construction engineering. Business, ICT, hospitality, architectural studies, fashion and other programs are also being completed.
The students are associate degree graduates from the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) of Saudi Arabia’s institutions. The students are earmarked as future tutors in TVTC’s own institutions in Saudi which are growing at a rapid rate, Mr. McGregor said, with over 100 new institutions planned over the next 10 years in their country. As part of this recognition the programme also includes introducing the future tutors to their Certificate in Adult Teaching (CAT) programs, to give them teaching skills for when they return home. Mr. McGregor indicated, “There are scheduled to be over 400 students coming to our ITPs for this English and Bachelor degree program”.
This scholarship program is managed through the PINZ’s Middle East office.
PINZ Middle East Branch Manager Neville Menezes & Deepa Saksena
For further information please contact: Joanne Lorimer (joannel@pinz.co.nz) PINZ Scholarships Project Coordinator.