Fronde and WelTec parnership proves a hit
A record number of WelTec IT students applied for a 2010 cadetship with prominent Wellington-based IT company Fronde. Initially launched in 2007, the cadetship has proven to be an ongoing success with the announcement of three new cadets and a second year offered to three returning cadets.
Described as a solution to continued skill shortages in the industry, the cadetship programme has run for four years and is proving to be a win-win situation for both parties. The programme provides WelTec IT students with a study scholarship, a well-paid holiday job working on client projects and a foot in the door with a leading IT employer.
The cadetship also works well for IT solutions provider Fronde, who say it allows them to work alongside fresh new thinking and provides the opportunity to recruit individuals. “The cadets bring a life and energy to our organisation,” says Fronde CEO, Ian Clarke. “We are very happy with the quality of cadets that come through. So far we have had approximately 40 cadets from WelTec and are looking forward to more joining in future years.”
Alex Graves is a Developer at Fronde and was one of the first students to participate in the cadetship programme. He says the scheme is a stepping stone for IT students to gain real world experience. “I would definitely recommend the programme. I don’t think I would be where I am today if I hadn’t done the cadetship. I can’t emphasise enough, how hugely valuable it has been to do something like this.”
The fresh cohort of cadets are also excited about the opportunity to work with a leading IT company. “I’m over the moon,” say WelTec IT student Liam McMaster. “I’m looking forward to actually seeing how it’s done in the real world. Fronde is leading the way in IT solutions and studying at WelTec I feel pretty well prepared, with the latest in IT tools and techniques.”
The School of Information Technology at WelTec is also pleased at the continued success of the programme and opportunity it provides for students. “Initiatives like these help our students to successfully transition from study into the workplace,” says Head of WelTec’s School of IT, Ian Hunter. “It’s a great model for collaboration between education and industry, I only wish more companies would realise the mutual benefits of establishing cadetships.”
Image captions: Past and present Fronde Cadets (Left to Right) Liam McMaster, Ian Hunter (Head of IT School at WelTec), Jonathan Eagle, Jakub Kremski, David Vonder, Mark Openshaw, Aimee Ferguson, James Fargher, Jimmy Corbishley, Matthew Page, Alex Graves, Kevin Groves, Ken Dixon, Kelly Carson, Sam Seay and Ian Clarke (CEO Fronde)
