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Hire a student or graduate

Getting a student or graduate can benefit your business. Workplace pathways connect Wellington businesses with students in a variety of ways.

Benefits of taking on a student or graduate

Wellington is full of smart and talented people, with the most highly educated workforce in New Zealand. Thousands of potential employees are graduating from tertiary institutes around the country each year. So there are plenty of opportunities for your business to find fresh talent.

Taking on a student or graduate can benefit your business in many ways, including:

  • building a reputation as a graduate-friendly employer that attracts talent
  • offering work experience when you can’t make a permanent hire
  • upskilling your current staff to mentor and train new people
  • gaining fresh perspectives, ideas and new academic theory
  • improving connections with tertiary organisations
  • investing in the next generation.
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Internship programmes in Wellington

There are a number of programmes and tertiary connections available to help you create workforce pathways and talent pipelines for your company.

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Tertiary projects

Some tertiary students need to complete industry work or research as part of their course. It’s a good way for an employer to connect with a local tertiary organisation, meet students and complete a project or research.

Students may work individually or in groups, and the project time varies. Industry projects should not be mission-critical but rather ‘nice to have’. As the students are completing an academic requirement, payment is not usually expected.

Funding

Funding to take on students can be available if specific criteria are met.

Victoria University summer research scholarships

A limited number of scholarships are available annually for students. Businesses may apply to Victoria University with a research-based project for a current student. The scholarships are jointly funded by the business and the university.

Victoria University of Wellington

Callaghan Innovation Research and Development internships

Callaghan grants support students and New Zealand businesses carrying out research and development.

Callaghan Innovation

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How we can help

WellingtonNZ can help connect your business with talented students and graduates. Including by:

  • identifying areas and projects where students or graduates may be a great addition
  • connecting you to appropriate programmes
  • discussing how to get the best from your student or graduate experience
  • sharing opportunities to get help on your projects from students for their coursework.

Talk to us

For advice on hiring a student or graduate, our team can give you more information on the available programmes, funding, and work-integrated learning opportunities.

Email us

Looking for more?

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Meet the team

WellingtonNZ has a team of dedicated business advisors ready to help your business access support and services. Whether you’re a business looking for support in R&D or growth, our team can help.

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Why Wellington

Wellington is more than just a capital city. It’s a region where business and pleasure go hand in hand. Whether you are in the creative, tech, or public sector, you will find a network of supportive and collaborative people to work with. And when you need a break, you will be spoilt for choice with the region’s options to step away from the office.

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Regional Business Partner Network

The Regional Business Partner Network helps to connect small to medium-sized businesses to the right advice, people and resources.

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How to find and keep great people

This video series from Wellington businesses shares tips on how to find, hire and retain skilled people.

Rachel Robertson, Prologic Skincare Founder with Mentor, Pieta Reid.

Get a business mentor

Whether you’re just getting started in business or you’re up and running, the support of a business mentor can be invaluable. WellingtonNZ can connect you with people who can offer guidance and support and share their experiences.

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How WellingtonNZ can help your business grow

At WellingtonNZ, our business growth and innovation team helps businesses find the advice and resources they need to grow and succeed.

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Research and development support

WellingtonNZ can help your business if you’re thinking about developing new products or services. We can also help if you have an ongoing R&D programme and need some support.