About CPIT
At Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology the purpose is to help people achieve their goals: for education, for employment and for career. One of the keys to the success is the focus on applied learning, hands-on training both on the campus and out in the workplace. And in today's competitive environment, those who can back their knowledge with real experience, real skills - have a definite edge.

To help the students realise their potential it concentrates on learning rather than lecturing. The classes are smaller. The technology: state of the art. The tutors are experts in their fields. And in many qualifications, class work is complemented by workplace training. In fact, all the faculties have good internships and cooperative programmes. One of the other areas that really makes a difference for the students, is that the comprehensive range of qualifications and training options is backed with extensive facilities to help the students with their learning and their lives.

 Graduate Testimonials

Steve Roche
Operator of a CNC Machining Centre, Scott Technology
National Certificate in Machining & Toolmaking supplemented by Advanced Trade Fitting, Turning & Machining (EQL5)

While Steve said he was far keener on the workshop than the theory side of engineering, he was still a top student. After winning the Canterbury regionals of the World Youth Skills competition, Steve went on to win the nationals in Auckland, and finally attended the international competition in Montreal, Canada in 1999. He said that was a fantastic experience and really appreciated all the extra training he received from CPIT staff that got him to the international finals.

Dawn Allen
Analyst Programmer for TimeMaster Systems
Bachelor of Business Computing

"I had no idea I'd actually be developing the kind of commercial software I once used as a payroll administrator in New Zealand and overseas. After coming back from overseas I really wanted to get a tertiary qualification to complement what I knew. When I read about the degree it sounded really exciting. It was a completely new direction for me and there was such a variety of subjects. But because of my business background, I was really able to relate my studies back to the real world. I used to use payroll software, and now I'm writing it! Dawn had spent time in the Airforce working in the accounts squadron where she'd also studied accounting part time. When she returned to Hamilton after working in Germany and the United Kingdom for several years it was to find a new career. After looking at options throughout New Zealand she finally found the course she wanted. Dawn said the Institute's Bachelor of Business Computing course outline looked so good, that even though she didn't know anyone in Christchurch, she drove down and enrolled straight away. After completing her third year project at TimeMaster, Dawn was quickly offered a job. She hasn't looked back since.

Simon Felton
Medical Radiation Technologist for Christchurch Radiology Group
Bachelor of Medical Imaging

"I grew up on a farm and had been farming for about 15 years before I decided it was time for a change in career. While it was a difficult decision to leave my job for full time study, I enjoyed it immensely. The degree was half theory and half practical. And yes it was hard work, but as an adult student I approached the workload in a more mature manner than when I was a high school student." Simon was initially unsure of what direction to go in once he decided he wanted to leave the farm and train for a new career. After discussing the various options with his family, he discovered the Bachelor of Medical Imaging at CPIT. Simon said it was quite a commitment to go back to full time study as an adult, and emphasises that it was the ongoing support of his family, particularly his wife, that enabled him to complete the degree.
 

Glynis Matehaere
Family Support Worker, Early Start Field Trial
National Diploma in Social Services

"I feel really lucky to have got the job I wanted straight away. I thought it would take me a while to get there. Without the diploma, I would not have secured this position. It says a lot for the programme that the first graduates were looked at very favourably by employers. What did I like most about the Diploma? I just really loved going back to school, the whole thing." At the age of 38, Glynis decided it was time she trained to pursue the career she had always wanted. Following her success in the part time Certificate, Glynis was quick to enrol in the National Diploma in Social Services. She is now working in her dream job.
 

 Marieke Odgers
Employed by Second Skin
Diploma in Fashion Technology & Design

Marieke has been working for Second Skin, which specialises in snowboarding and streetwear, since the beginning of 2000. Her job covers everything from pattern making, quality control, cutting, seam-sealing through to finishing.While she sees plenty of scope to move up in the company, Marieke's ultimate job is to turn her own streetwear label, MNAO, into a full time business.