Last week’s dump of snow has transformed the local ski fields and the Queenstown region is buzzing. With a solid base in place, we are set to enjoy a great season and with it, a welcome return to the bustle of a busy winter resort town. Bookings are reported to be high for July and August and local businesses are challenged to ensure they are fully staffed and operating comfortably at maximum capacity. It turns out study has indeed been a great place to be for the last two years as our recent graduates navigate the numerous opportunities presented to them within industry as highly sought after, skilled, and trained employees. Likewise, 100% of our internship students have been placed and are embarking on their 9-month experiential journey with a mix of excitement, anticipation, and willingness for what lies ahead. Their future looks bright.
Likewise, we are positive about the future here at QRC with some ground-breaking developments eventuating over the first six months of the year. We, like most organisations were required to think laterally about our strategy and direction in the face of the pandemic. Within Queenstown there has been a ‘tech space’ diversification drive existent for some time and the one of the clear narratives from this conversation piece is that there is a lack of trained IT specialists. Roll back to 2002 when a similar workforce gap for highly skilled and trained tourism and hospitality specialists led to the pioneering concept of QRC as a tertiary education provider to help address this issue. Having done it once, in December 2020 we set about doing it again with the conceptualization of New Zealand’s first Machine Learning qualification. With key industry players on board in an advisory capacity we were delighted to receive notification from NZQA last month that these programmes were approved for delivery. With the first cohort in Machine Learning Fundamentals due to roll out on August 1st we are looking forward to the future growth in this space.
Enjoy the winter & we look forward to updating you in the spring
Ngā mihi
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Charlie Phillips,
QRC Chief Executive
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Applications are now open for the 2023 QRC scholarship. There are a total of 4 scholarships available each to the value of $6,000 towards the successful students second year tuition fees. 2 scholarships will be awarded to students studying the Adventure Tourism Management Diploma and 2 to Hospitality Management students.
The QRC scholarship was initiated to encourage individuals considering their tertiary education options to look at the benefits of a career in tourism and hospitality. To capture the personalities and drive that deliver a sense of individuality into an industry built around people.
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The application process is straightforward and open to all students who are looking to commence their diploma in one of our four 2023 intakes ( Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct). Applications are open now and close on 16th September 2022.
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Machine Learning Fundamentals
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As Charlie mentioned in his opening welcome, QRC is excited to be branching into the tech sector. Machine learning is the highest demand growth tech skillset globally. It is the process of building, and using, predictive models. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the software that surrounds these predictive models while in use, allowing software applications to become more accurate at predicting outcomes.
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This micro-credential in Machine Learning Fundamentals will take students with no prior experience* to a stage where they have the skills to be industry-ready upon graduation.
The qualification will focus on the foundations of machine learning including:
- Types of machine learning algorithms including supervised and unsupervised learning
- Regression and Classification techniques for machine learning applications
- Using existing machine learning libraries to generate predictions
- Constructing and documenting datasets
- Understanding and applying Responsible AI and business ethics to machine learning systems
- Applying and improving deep learning systems
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EQRC continues to attract future students who are keen to get an insight into tertiary study and student life at QRC. As we prepare for a full July programme with 50 students from across the country, the two October programme are already filling fast.
The 3 day, 2 night experience enables prospective future students to learn more about the diploma programs on offer, the halls of residence & hear from industry insiders about future careers. For many it marks the beginning of their QRC Journey.
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There is only one word on Aaron’s mind: Travel. From Antarctica to Swedish Lapland and everywhere in between, he’s been around the world and some. Coming across QRC’s Adventure Tourism Diploma he knew he had found his course. “I always knew that I wanted to spend as much as I could in the mountains and was always looking for a way that I could work in the mountains. exploring all different avenues, I came across QRC’s tourism course, and (at the time) the snow sports specialisation they offered. The business aspect intrigued me and getting to combine that with being in the mountains…. Easy choice.”
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Student Voice – Sophie Cullingford.
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During my time at QRC I have made many friendships that will last a lifetime and gone through many experiences I will hold with me for a long time. From the beginning of term 1 through to the end of term 6 QRC has shown me the importance of time management, ‘professional excellence’ through self-presentation and professional relationships. Throughout our time with QRC, the teachers/tutors here at QRC have taught both myself and others many valuable lessons through their experiences in the industry and, I know my term will miss many tutors dearly. Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here at QRC and will take all lessons learnt in my stride.
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Over the past 2 terms I have had the pleasure of being the leader of the Student Council. I have learnt a lot about myself in this time and the experience has taught me lot about management which I hope will assist me in my future. Over both terms the team we have had, have been wonderful to work with and come up with some amazing ideas to integrate the different terms with activities such as sports days and social events. I would like to thank all members across all terms for their hard work and participation, you guys have been awesome.
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The benefits of having an equally beautiful sister city! Michaela King couldn’t believe her good fortune when she landed her internship role as a guest service agent in Aspen, Colorado. Packing up straight after term 2 and heading overseas was a dream come true. It didn’t even matter that she couldn’t ski – those things can be taught! It was her natural affinity to people, dedicated hard work and willingness to learn that set her in good stead. Michaela is taking the time to fit in a bit of travelling on her way back from Aspen prior to starting her year 2 studies.
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Connect With Us
Connect with us anytime via our website or by free calling 0800 441 114.
Diploma programme intakes are in January, April, July and October.
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