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News
SIGNAL has new team mates!
Tuesday August 6, 2019
We are excited to welcome Lauren Saker and Leisa Browne, the newest members of the SIGNAL team.
New SHIFT students @ SIGNAL
Wednesday July 31, 2019
We have welcomed two new cohorts into SHIFT in the last few weeks, a full-time one in Christchurch and a part-time one in Dunedin. These new students are taking the plunge, shifting gears and learning relevant tech skills and exploring new opportunities in the tech sector, following in the footsteps of our dozens of successful graduates.
SHIFT Profile: Thomas O'Leary
Wednesday July 31, 2019
In this series we are profiling our talented SHIFT graduates, who have joined the growing NZ tech sector.
SIGNAL Dunedin hosting the revamped NZ GameDev MeetUp
Wednesday July 31, 2019
Whether you are a gamer, or an aspiring or an established game developer, join us on August 22 to be inspired, informed and entertained, plus you can bring your own work along to share and gain feedback!
What personal quality is going to drive your success?
Monday July 15, 2019
Discover how to gain significant self improvement through the XTEND Review of Learning course.
PROFILE: Julia Pye - Brewery Manager to Business Analyst
Wednesday June 26, 2019
We continue this series on our SHIFT graduates, this time featuring community minded Julia Pye.
SIGNAL Christchurch has moved, but not far!
Thursday June 20, 2019
From 1st July SIGNAL Christchurch will be based at the EPIC Innovation Campus.
Welcome Kevin, Industry Reference Group Chair
Thursday June 20, 2019
Kevin Mansfield, Chief Product Officer, Nomos One has joined the SIGNAL Board as Industry Reference Group Chair
Smart Cities - how will tech & data improve our lives?
Friday June 14, 2019
Have you heard of Smart Cities? A smart city is an urban area that uses different types of tech to collect data and then uses the data to manage resources efficiently.
Another successful Speed Networking Event @ SIGNAL Christchurch
Wednesday June 12, 2019
Face to face networking between SHIFT students and Industry hosts helps to find matches for Industry Projects.
Kick-starting Innovation - Using Story Maps to define your Minimum Viable Product
Wednesday June 12, 2019
Another sell-out event over Techweek19 saw Tasneem Gould and Ashley Bass run a workshop in kicking- starting innovation.
Don't miss the next Tech Careers and Pizza Night at a SIGNAL near you!
Wednesday May 29, 2019
If you, or someone you know, is thinking about a change of career, or want to 'Add Tech to your Superpowers', come along to one of SIGNAL's famous Tech Careers Pizza nights.
Industry Engagement - Dunedin Events
Friday May 17, 2019
Signal's SHIFT programme is focused on positive employment outcomes. To help foster industry connections and networking, we welcome practitioners and tech experts to speak to our students during "SHIFT Fridays".
Introducing the 2019 Dunedin SHIFT Cohort!
Thursday May 9, 2019
Our Dunedin SHIFT cohort started in late February and is our third, and largest intake to-date.
Speed Networking - Meet the Chch Cohort
Wednesday May 8, 2019
After the success and positive outcomes from our previous Speed Networking event that match Industry Projects to students, SIGNAL is hosting another one.
Welcome Janelle
Tuesday May 7, 2019
Janelle Gee joins SIGNAL as our Business Development Manager, based in Christchurch.
Dunedin Techweek Events 2019
Tuesday May 7, 2019
SIGNAL is sponsoring several events for Dunedin Techweek 2019. On Wednesday, May 22, we are hosting two sessions with Tim Packer, Smart City Practitioner and former team lead for the NEC NZ's Smart Cities Solutions business unit. One of these will include an evening discussion with Tim Packer, the Honourable Pete Hodgson, and NZ Innovator of the Year Ian Taylor CNZM, on how smart city technologies could be utilised in the Dunedin Hospital rebuild, and the proposed Dunedin Harbourside Vision.
Join our mid-year SHIFT Intake (part-time or full-time)
Tuesday May 7, 2019
Reboot your career with Dunedin's part-time, and Christchurch's full-time SHIFT programme kicking-off in July.
PROFILE: Jess Wren - Professional Services Delivery at Datacom
Thursday May 2, 2019
In this series, we meet some SHIFT graduates, and hear about their experiences of moving into a tech career.
Employed! Great outcomes from Industry Projects at the Christchurch Showcase.
Thursday March 21, 2019
An enthusiastic crowd of over 40 gathered at EPIC last week to hear about the projects that the Christchurch 2018 SHIFT Cohort had completed with support from their Industry mentors.
Positive experiences for all at the Dunedin SHIFT Industry Showcase
Tuesday March 19, 2019
Congratulations to all students who presented their projects at the Showcase, and to those who are already employed in the tech sector in Dunedin, Christchurch and Auckland. Success, personal development, collaboration and industry support were on show as the 2018 SHIFT cohort shared their SHIFT industry experience.
2019 SHIFT Cohorts & Industry Guests
Monday March 18, 2019
The 2019 SHIFT programmes in Christchurch and Dunedin are well underway, and students are already learning lots, meeting tech sector practitioners, and expanding their networks.
So you would like to SHIFT, but can't study full-time? Check out the new Part-Time option in Dunedin!
Monday March 18, 2019
We know that for many, taking a year off work to SHIFT career is very difficult, so we are delighted to announce that a part-time SHIFT Dunedin option will commence in July this year!
Call for 2019 SHIFT Studio Projects in Dunedin - Submit your idea NOW!
Monday March 18, 2019
Has your organisation got a tech project, idea or piece of work that you've parked due to a lack of time or resourcing? Talk to us about having our SHIFT students work on it for you.
Call for 2019 SHIFT Studio Projects
Monday March 18, 2019
Has your organisation got a tech project, idea or piece of work that you've parked due to a lack of time or resourcing? Talk to us about having our SHIFT students work on it for you.
OrbViz and the SHIFT Students
Wednesday March 13, 2019
OrbViz is the first SaaS product from Orbica and SHIFT students have contributed to its development.
SHIFT student behind the CCC Events App
Tuesday March 12, 2019
Bryce White has been working with Christchurch City Council for his Industry Project and Industry Experience Grant on their revamped Events App. He is now employed and working in the Digital Channels team on other apps.
SIGNAL boosts Scholarships for Digital Technologies Teachers to $2000
Thursday March 7, 2019
Do you have a passion for innovative technology education? Are you dedicated to the future success of your students? Would you like to become a leader of Digital Technologies teaching practice in your school or community? SIGNAL's 'Educate' scholarships allow you to upskill via online distance learning, while you refine new skills in your own classroom.
PROFILE: Harry Taylor - Software Developer at RCG Creations Limited
Sunday February 17, 2019
Harry started SHIFT in July 2017. He has now completed the programme and is working full time at RCG Creations Limited as a software developer.
SIGNAL - Your partner in capability growth
Monday January 28, 2019
SIGNAL's mandate is to boost tech skills and capabilities within NZ. As SIGNAL matures as an organisation, SHIFT is proving to be a valuable pathway for new talent into tech. In 2019 we aim to grow our professional development offerings for existing tech professionals, to supercharge both individual and organisational development.
NEW: Shift video now online
Monday January 28, 2019
There is nothing like seeing and hearing real people talk about their experiences to help you understand a product and an organisation. Late in 2018, the Christchurch and Dunedin studios were the setting for professional filming to get the lowdown on SIGNAL ICT Grad School, and to find out more about what the SHIFT programme has delivered.
Get involved in Techweek'19 running May 20 - 26
Sunday January 27, 2019
This year's Techweek calender is shaping up to be another exciting week of events celebrating, inspiring and building capability across the tech sector, and bringing together our community to promote tech as a vital part of NZ's economy and future prosperity. The theme is "Innovation that is good for the world".
From Snowboarder to Code Cutter!
Wednesday January 23, 2019
SIGNAL kicked off 2019 by hosting a Tech Careers and Pizza night with industry guest speaker and Software Engineer, Toni M James. Toni works for NZ company Orion Health, an international healthcare software company.
Industry benefits from student placements
Wednesday December 12, 2018
Shift students have been putting their newly acquired skills to good use during their industry placements, providing organisations with tech solutions, while extending their own capabilities.
Xtend 2018 Success Stories!
Wednesday December 12, 2018
Jamie Vaughan, Mark Oliver and Les Miskin with Prof Samuel Mann (right) celebrate their Graduation from Otago Polytechnic's Master of Professional Practice awarded on completion of SIGNAL's Xtend programme last week.
Hour of Code
Tuesday December 11, 2018
Hour of Code is a global initiative to connect young people with coding so they can enjoy and understand their computer science rich surroundings. New Zealand schools have once again been involved, and you can be too.
Apply now for a SHIFT 2019 Scholarship
Tuesday December 11, 2018
Do you need a financial hand to SHIFT to a tech career? SHIFT 2019 enrolments are open now for both Dunedin and Christchurch, and so are 2019 SHIFT scholarship applications.
ATTN TEACHERS: Educate 2019 Scholarships open for applications!
Thursday October 18, 2018
SIGNAL has already awarded some Educate Scholarships for 2019, but there are still several available. These scholarships will help teachers and schools access the professional development needed to deliver the Computer Science (Computational Thinking) aspects of the new Digital Technologies curriculum, and boost the capabilities of their fellow teaching team.
Industry Showcase highlights SHIFT employment outcomes for 2017 Christchurch cohort
Wednesday October 17, 2018
Thanks and congratulations to Showcase presenters Harry Taylor, Felicia Sacramento and Sakinah Abdul who have all secured industry employment following SHIFT!
Make a difference by taking part in Dunedin's first ImpactNPO Hackathon
Tuesday October 16, 2018
Use your skills to help local charities as SIGNAL Dunedin hosts the first ImpactNPO Hackathon Nov 9 -11. This event is open to anyone with tech, marketing, communications, business or other skills that could make a difference to our local community. Interested? Read on for more info from ImpactNPO!
A Chat with Eteroa Lafaele... the dancing Comp Sci Grad' who took the Internet by storm!
Monday October 15, 2018
Many graduands dream of making their 23 second capping walk a time to remember, but there are few who do it in as much style as Eteroa Lafaele. I recently had the pleasure of speaking to the vivacious Eteroa about her new found fame, her positive role model status and what inspires her everyday.
Research: Calling all Agile Companies
Friday October 12, 2018
Are you a ground-breaking SME that is experimenting with new ways to think and do HR? Leonie Mollet, a PhD Student and HR professional would like to contact you for her thesis research.
AgritechNZ connects global interests and promotes NZ to the world.
Tuesday October 9, 2018
NZ Agritech companies are making waves on the global stage, and have several opportunities to work alongside some of the world's largest food producers, who are investing heavily into robotics, sensing and automation. The potential economic benefits of this are tremendous as we discovered at the AgritechNZ roadshow which recently toured NZ.
Enthusiastic crowd at the AI Forum Connect event 'Artificial Intelligence in Dunedin: Research, industry, and public policy' at SIGNAL Dunedin.
Tuesday October 9, 2018
Over 70 people attended the AI Forum Connect event in Dunedin last night to discuss the impact and deployment of AI in New Zealand.
ITx 2018
Tuesday September 11, 2018
SIGNAL was proud to be a silver sponsor of ITx 2018, held in Wellington from July 11 to 13. This action packed programme was a collaboration of twelve leading tech-focused conferences and included over 150 speakers on many different tech related topics.
Shift Dunedin ready for Industry placements!
Sunday September 9, 2018
Do you have an idea for your business or organisation, but have had to park it? Could it be the start of a productive line of work? Perhaps some research, assessing, testing or user experience design project that will potentially add to your bottom line? The 2018 SHIFT cohort will soon be starting their 200 hour Industry Project work with local organisations, and we are calling for projects in Dunedin.
SIGNAL welcomes new staff to Christchurch and Dunedin offices
Sunday September 9, 2018
We are excited to introduce Lufei Wang (Christchurch), and Stephen Geddes (Dunedin) to the SIGNAL team.
SIGNAL's VR Arena an "Unreal Success" at NZ Scifest
Friday August 31, 2018
SIGNAL Dunedin welcomed over five hundred and fifty people into the SIGNAL VR Arena, hosted by Dr Simon McCallum, who also gave a range of lunchtime VR talks as part of the NZ International SciFest in Dunedin from July 6 - 15.
SHIFT Industry Showcase - Christchurch Sep 20
Friday August 31, 2018
Join us as we celebrate the achievements of the first Christchurch SHIFT cohort, on Thursday Sep 20 from 3 - 4.30pm.
The Future of Learning Conference 2018
Thursday August 23, 2018
Bring the change! Amazing ripples happen when you bring open minded, game changers and action takers together to share ideas. SIGNAL was a proud partner and sponsor for THE FUTURE OF LEARNING Conference, held in July 2018, tautahi, Christchurch.
Action time! Putting the learning into action in the 'Real World'
Thursday August 23, 2018
Exciting times ahead for the Christchurch SHIFT'ers starting on their Industry Projects. In this photo, left to right are Orbica's Banika Sirohi (Orbica Full Stack developer - mentor) and Antonin Caen (Orbica Geospatial Architect - mentor), with two members of the 2018 SHIFT cohort, Arthur McGregor & Kiriana Brown.
CODE REBEL: Ally Watson
Thursday August 23, 2018
The greatest challenge for us is removing the stigma that tech is geeky or its only for guys and engaging girls at a young age.
SIGNAL: Proud Sponsor of the Canterbury Tech Summit
Saturday July 7, 2018
Last week over 700 members of the tech industry converged at the Wigram Air Force Museum for one of NZs premier tech events of the year the Canterbury Tech Summit. As NZ's second largest tech hub, Canterbury hosts a wide cross-section of tech industries and companies.
Lights......Camera......Action! Fun photo shoots @ SIGNAL
Monday April 30, 2018
Introducing the SHIFT 2018 stars of Christchurch and Dunedin, who were fantastic (if slightly reluctant at first) models for our now traditional photo shoot. Thanks team, great to see you all looking so happy and relaxed.
Educate cohort convene in Christchurch
Thursday April 26, 2018
SIGNAL's Educate programme allows teachers to upskill in Digital Technologies teaching, and the 2018 cohort recently met to communicate and collaborate, and explore the local tech ecosystem during the Educate block course.
Exciting industry projects commence for first Christchurch SHIFT cohort
Thursday April 5, 2018
Now into their second semester of SHIFT, Felicia, Dewi, Sam, Harry and Sakinah are well into their workplace industry projects with five Christchurch companies, from game design to air traffic control and location data intelligence specialists.
New Shift 2018 cohort in Christchurch busy and productive!
Thursday April 5, 2018
The February Shift cohort of nine has been busy visiting local companies, gaining insight into various tech roles, and the skills needed to work in the growing tech sector. The students have also completed an intensive introduction to programming and further technical skills, and have begun working on projects in the studio to put their new found skills into practice.
SHIFT assists local tech industry in sourcing new talent
Thursday April 5, 2018
The Dunedin SHIFT Industry Showcase held earlier this month highlighted to the local tech sector how SHIFT is a "viable pathway to attract smart talent".
Scholarships awarded to SIGNAL Educate & Shift learners
Thursday April 5, 2018
SIGNAL is pleased to encourage a high caliber and variety of learners by awarding a number of scholarships for study in 2018.
Tap into the diversity and experience of the 2018 SHIFT cohort by submitting a studio project - and enjoy the results!
Thursday April 5, 2018
With a mix of backgrounds and experience including health, medical research, IT, arts, media, electronics, project management, defense force, commerce, marketing, education, product design and drafting, the incoming SHIFT cohort in Dunedin is a varied and talented group .
2018 Educate Cohort gets ready for action!
Friday January 26, 2018
The new Digital Technologies|Hangarau Matihiko curriculum goes live this year, with NZ schools expected to fully integrate the revised learning area into their curriculum by the start of the 2020 school year. From the Ministry of Education website: "The goal of this change is to ensure that all learners have the opportunity to become digitally capable individuals. This change signals the need for greater focus on our students building their skills so they can be innovative creators of digital solutions, moving beyond solely being users and consumers of digital technologies." SIGNAL's Educate programme assists current teachers to implement the latest curriculum.
'Christmas Gift' Industry award to SHIFT learner in Christchurch
Wednesday December 20, 2017
Synapsys NZ Ltd are pleased to announce the awarding of a $1000 'Christmas Gift' grant to Felicia Sacramento for her hard work during SHIFT in 2017.
Dunedin SHIFT Cohort 2017
Thursday December 7, 2017
Meet the students completing SHIFT in Dunedin 2017
Agile Workshop at SIGNAL Dunedin
Monday November 20, 2017
On the 16th November, SIGNAL Dunedin hosted an Agile Workshop for current SHIFT students and other IT Professionals in Dunedin.
SHIFT Dunedin working in industry
Tuesday November 14, 2017
After a busy and productive year of study, workshops, projects and work experience, the first SHIFT cohort are about to start their paid Industry Experience. This is the final part of the innovative SHIFT programme and further prepares the cohort to transition into a role in NZ's booming tech sector.
Your partner on your leadership journey
Wednesday November 8, 2017
Xtend is the programme to take you to the next level as a technical, peer, thought or people leader. Built around your everyday work, Xtend is cleverly tailored to your needs and meshes with your company's strategy. Our "in work, at work, for work" approach develops your individual leadership capabilities and contributes to your company's future.
First Shift studio almost complete in Christchurch
Wednesday November 8, 2017
Shift students have been working closely with clients to develop a citizen science app about planting activities and a personal bus schedule monitor using Raspberry Pi.
15th Annual Canterbury Tech Summit
Monday September 25, 2017
SIGNAL ICT Grad School was proud to be a sponsor of this inspiring and informative gathering of the region's top tech companies.
SHIFT driving internal innovation at MTF
Monday September 25, 2017
An organisation works best when it has the best tools at its disposal, sometimes they need a bit of a tune-up ........
Educate Scholarships Announced
Monday September 25, 2017
SIGNAL is pleased to announce Educate Scholarships for 2018. These scholarships will help teachers and schools access the professional development needed to deliver the Computer Programming aspects of the Digital Technologies curriculum.
Grow the next generation! Support a teacher in Educate
Monday September 25, 2017
We all know that we have a shortage of tech professionals to help continue to grow the NZ economy and NZ businesses - be part of the solution by supporting a teacher in the Educate programme to inspire the next generation into tech.
Welcome Amanda!
Wednesday September 20, 2017
Amanda Veldman joins the SIGNAL team to support communications, marketing and events.
SHIFT making a difference to local firms
Friday September 1, 2017
The Dunedin Shift Cohort are well into their industry placements, gaining valuable experience whilst working alongside industry professionals. Last week we visited Jonathan Manning, at The Tarn Group in Princes St Dunedin to see what he has achieved so far.
Open, officially!
Thursday August 24, 2017
The Hon. Paul Goldsmith cut the virtual ribbon to officially open SIGNAL ICT Graduate School on Tuesday 22 August.
Christchurch SHIFT cohort 2017
Thursday August 24, 2017
The 2017 Shift semester two students have a wide variety of backgrounds - here they introduce themselves.
The sky's the limit for Shift
Thursday August 24, 2017
Shift students start projects embedded with industry in Dunedin
Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Export and Leadership
Monday August 21, 2017
The sold-out Canterbury Tech Summit is the South Islands largest annual tech conference that brings together leaders in innovation, technology and business to share ideas, grow their networks and be inspired. SIGNAL is proud to be a Silver sponsor of this event on 14 September.
Shifting to a new career in Christchurch
Monday August 21, 2017
Christchurch studio welcomes its first cohort of Shift students.
The Internet of Things: A Revolution in Health & Wellbeing?
Wednesday July 12, 2017
You are invited to a one-off event featuring international thought-leader Alexandra Deschamps-Sonsino hosted by SIGNAL ICT Graduate School and Ara, Institute of Canterbury.
400 hours of free student time for your business! Dunedin & Christchurch EOIs now open.
Monday July 3, 2017
Industry Experience Grants provide a 400 hour internship opportunity for SIGNAL Shift students at the completion of their studies. Your organisation could host one - read on to find out more.
You're invited: Realising disruptive tech ideas with Alexandra Deschamps-Sonsino
Monday July 3, 2017
Alexandra Deschamps-Sonsino will be hosting a session on realising disruptive tech ideas for SIGNAL supporters in both Christchurch and Dunedin as part of her visit to both cities. RSVP required
SIGNAL's Educate programme supports $40m digital fluency package for New Zealand schools.
Monday July 3, 2017
Education Minister, Nikki Kaye, announced last week the biggest change to the New Zealand Curriculum in ten years. The change will equip young learners for the increasingly digitalised workplace and society. As part of this change, there is a need to upskill teachers with the necessary knowledge and capability to implement these changes. SIGNAL's Educate programme enables teachers to deliver the Computer Science and Computer Programming strands of the Digital Technologies curriculum in schools.
How will the Internet of Things affect Dunedin?
Thursday June 1, 2017
You are invited to hear international speaker Alexandra Deschamps-Sonsino in Dunedin on 10 July.
Great ideas Hatched by Shift
Tuesday May 30, 2017
SIGNALs inaugural Shift cohort completed their first Studio Industry Project this month, working with Hatch, a children's creation and innovation workshop space in Dunedin.
Xtend + CerebralFix = Transformation.
Tuesday May 30, 2017
Christchurch gaming developer CerebralFix wanted to transform their work environment into a place where everyone had a voice in the design and build process. They wanted to create a workplace full of thinkers.
Develop your tech leadership capabilities
Tuesday May 30, 2017
And help your company grow its IT future at the same time.
Full SIGNAL team now in place.
Tuesday May 2, 2017
SIGNAL's operations and engagement co-ordinators are now on board in Christchurch and Dunedin.
Can your business benefit from new CSST satellite data?
Tuesday May 2, 2017
Find out how you can make the most of The Centre for Space Science Technology's new satellite data products and solutions at a SIGNAL (Dunedin) and GigCity hosted seminar this Wednesday.
Who said school holidays were for taking a break?
Tuesday May 2, 2017
Twenty-eight school teachers took a break from their holidays to attend a three-day intensive workshop for the Educate programme in Christchurch last week.
Shift forges ahead
Tuesday February 28, 2017
SIGNAL's Shift programme welcomed its first cohort to 123 Vogel St this week.
MTF's IT development manager is future-focused with SIGNAL's Xtend programme.
Thursday February 16, 2017
Mark Oliver is all smiles when talking about SIGNAL's Xtend programme - a year into the programme he's up-skilled during work hours and also has found it's improved his work satisfaction.
Dr Stuart Charters opens two SIGNAL sites.
Thursday February 16, 2017
Dr Stuart Charters, the new director of SIGNAL - the South Island's ICT Grad School - opened the doors to the Christchurch and Dunedin SIGNAL sites on 27th February.
Industry chair announced for NEW South Island ICT Grad School.
Monday November 28, 2016
SIGNAL, the new South Island ICT Grad School, has appointed international businessman David Band as its new chair.