Shift is an innovative and immersive studio-based programme all about transitioning participants from different backgrounds into an IT role quickly. And the first Shift group hits the mark with a variety of backgrounds including a philosophy grad, a small business management educator and a geologist all being introduced to the world of IT.
Shift is the first on-site programme to roll out of SIGNAL. It is designed for those who already have a degree - that could be in anything, arts, humanities, sciences or engineering. And is the perfect vehicle for those looking for a career change, or returning to the workplace.
A full-time programme, Shift will run until the end of October. It has two streams: a Software Development stream for those wanting to focus on programming and a Development Allied Roles stream for those wanting to focus on other areas, be it testing, user experience or technical writing as a few examples.
Shift begins with a fundamentals course that introduces the breadth of the IT industry and career opportunities, frames the professional standards of IT and industry, introduces Agile and Design thinking. Industry visits and guest speakers are an integral part of this first course.
The immersive studio comes next. Working in small teams on real world and real world inspired problems in a variety of different roles, students will be hands-on learning by doing. Seminars and workshops with academics, domain and industry experts will provide deep learning in technical skills areas but also many of the essential skills related to communication, teamwork and innovation. Reflection during the studio course encourages students to think about the direction they want to take in IT and influences their choices for the Industry placement.
In the second half of Shift, students undertake an Industry project, placement or internship and can take two courses from any of the five SIGNAL partner institutions: Ara Institute of Canterbury, Lincoln University, Otago Polytechnic, the University of Canterbury and the University of Otago.
Students will graduate with a Diploma for Graduates.
Shift is delivered via the new SIGNAL sites at 123 Vogel St, Dunedin (led by University of Otago), and at SIGNAL’s Christchurch site in the Innovation Precinct (led by Ara Institute of Canterbury) from June 2017.
Find out more about the Shift programme at http://signal.ac.nz/programmes/shift/ or email info@signal.ac.nz
