Our long term ANZ working partnership offers exciting pathways

Oliver Pelham describes his decision to re-train into the IT industry as the "best decision I've ever made."

"I had a Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology, with experience in the retail and education sectors. But I was looking for something more challenging" Oliver says. The former Rangiora-based teacher aide took up a one-year Master's programme offered by Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington's Industry Alliance Programme (IAP) (formerly known as the Wellington ICT Graduate School), and has since secured an internship within ANZ's technology team.

"Spring forward, and I'm now an Analyst Programmer with ANZ's Web Services team."

The one-year programme builds on existing talents, and strives to make switching careers easy by complementing in-class tertiary learning with secure real-world, hands-on learning opportunities, as well as mentorships with partners like ANZ.

"We create opportunities for those without a technology background to build the necessary skills to pivot into the sector, helping individuals explore their options," Programme Director Lynda Turner explains. "It's about connecting them with a pathway they're excited about."

The programme prepares graduates for a wide range of roles in the industry, as well as organising meetings with professionals, mentoring opportunities, and introductions to employers.

Oliver credits the programme’s mentors for their instrumental part in his successful career pivot. “I haven’t felt limited to pursuing only developer roles—the support for seeking out and pursuing a wide range of jobs has been amazing.”

Holly Luxton-Russell has also enjoyed the benefits of the programme’s industry connections. Holly built on her Bachelor of Design Innovation qualification with the IAP's Masters of User Experience Design before being introduced to ANZ. She originally joined ANZ’s Design Team as an intern, and has since worked her way up to Experience Designer.

“The initial internship at ANZ really set up the foundation for my career as a designer—it’s a great team who are genuinely interested in the growth of others” Holly says. “The most valuable thing was the experience I gained working within a large organisation, and also learning how to work as a designer in practice. I’m not sure where I would be without Victoria University of Wellington and ANZ taking a chance on me.”