I have a passion for education and the benefits that it can bring to individuals and communities.

The opening of the Southern Institute of Technology’s Orientation Week celebrations, which I recently attended, was a real highlight with many new and returning students – both local and international - full of enthusiasm as they begin their educational journey in the South.

A recent celebration of the Invercargill Licensing Trust’s “Academy Zero Fees English Scholarship,” established last year was also significant, reinforcing the importance of encouraging international English language students to study here in the South at SIT, with the support of the Trust.

The Government is also focussed on supporting international education to thrive and provide economic, social and cultural benefits for all New Zealand, with the Prime Minister recently in Vietnam highlighting the opportunities for students to study here.

We are fortunate to have SIT in our city, to support this region’s training needs, to bring young people into our region from around the country and overseas, and to boost our local economy.

Enrolments as of January this year are up by 19 percent on 2024, with a significant surge in trades’ enrolments in entry-level automotive and construction programmes.

Of course, success is particularly reflected in employment outcomes, and it’s significant to note that 91 percent of SIT graduates, from 2023, were in employment or studying.

SIT’s School of Nursing enrolled nurse graduates were also celebrated recently with 60 percent of the 2024 graduates gaining employment.

This compares with just 30 percent of enrolled nurse graduates finding work nationally last year.

According to Health New Zealand, just one third (68) of the 196 graduates nationally found jobs, while the Southland rate was double that.

Local Bachelor of Nursing students also excelled, with a 100 percent pass rate for their State Finals (the final exam nurses must pass to practice in New Zealand), while the national pass rate was 64 percent.

These excellent statistics reinforce SIT’s long and proud tradition around nursing training, with the quality of its programmes having a significant impact on local students’ performance and providing much-needed staff for local hospitals and rest homes.

I want to congratulate all the successful student graduates of 2024 and commend the SIT tutors who are passionate about their professions and who pass that enthusiasm on to this new generation.

It’s great that Southland enjoys this success and it’s wonderful that SIT continues to support students and meet the industry and community needs of our province.

Funded by Parliamentary Services