This information is designed to help educators and domestic NZ students learn about industry supported study and employment schemes available to them, within the field of Tourism. Please note that some graduate. internship or apprenticeship programs may not be running in 2021, post-covid (this article was last updated in mid-2022)

Graduate Programmes

InterContinental Hotels Group - IHG

• Future Leader Aspire Programme: This accelerated programme will prepare anyone committed to a career in hospitality leadership for their next step, management position. Students can apply here, but must meet minimum requirements, including: holding a Hospitality university degree and no experience; or, a university degree and 6 months relevant experience (supervisor level preferred); or no degree and 12 months relevant experience (supervisor level preferred). Students must also demonstrate effective communication, great leadership qualities and a willingness to seek opportunities to learn and develop; have strong business acumen, be proactive, show initiative and thrive on challenge. A good level of English language (written and verbal) and the right to work in the location of the Future Leader Aspire vacancy, is also required. The program lasts 18 months, with early graduation possible at 12 months, for outstanding performance and consists of the following components:
  • Rotation through each hotel departments, to build credibility and understanding of hotel operations
  • Selection of a focused hotel operations pathway, as an area of specialization
  • Following a leadership learning pathway, developing competency in leadership and hotel performance
  • Regular feedback on readiness to take on a management position
  • Head of Department as your Coach and Hotel GM as your Career Mentor
  • Delivering a project and taking part in a local initiative to inspire the next generation of hotel leaders
  • On completion being eligible and supported to apply for a full-time manager level position
• Future Leader Embark Programme: This fast track programme takes frontline colleagues in hotel operations to hotel supervisor level in as little as 6 months. The program consists of the following components:
  • Rotation through each hotel department, to build credibility and understanding of how a hotel operates
  • Rotation through an area of specialization; Housekeeping, Front Office or Food and Beverage Service, to deepen experience
  • Following a leadership learning pathway, to develop leaderships skills and behaviours
  • Being supported by a senior hotel leader, as programme Coach
• Academy: This world-class training programme is offered to motivated and engaged individuals from any background, wanting to get a head start in their hospitality career. Programs range from work-experience placements, internship opportunities and apprenticeships, with the goal of gaining the employment and life skills needed to kick-start a career with one of the world’s largest hotel companies, dedicated to providing True Hospitality.

Hilton

• University Programmes and Campus Recruitment: Designed to build awareness and understanding of the possibilities and rewards of a career in hospitality, this learning opportunity offers students a chance to learn about the hospitality, integrity and passion of Hilton. Top students will be selected from the Asia/Pacific core school alliance for the Hilton School for Hospitality Management at the beginning of every academic term. Students can apply here.

Accor

• Inspire: This programme offers up and coming talent the opportunity to join Accor’s Our Group, by offering a leadership development programme to fast track their careers and grow them into the hospitality professionals of tomorrow. For 12 - 18 months, participants are given significant responsibilities as they see their leadership boosted. When applying, candidates have choice between a cross-exposure structure, rotating between several departments across the property and moving into a focus area of interest; or specialization to develop their expertise, by gaining experience in departments with a specific focus. Other program elements include having a Peer Ambassador, running a Property Project, Networking opportunities and a Personal Mentor. Students can apply here, by searching ‘Inspire’ and must: have min. 1 year experience in hospitality/customer service, or their chosen area; show desire to advance their hospitality career, with strong ability, engagement, and motivation; be agile and work well in fast-paced environments, willing to learn and commit to a role; have excellent communication skills in English (other language requirements, as applicable). Post-secondary education in Hospitality or Business considered an asset, but all candidates will be considered. The programme is offered across Accor’s growing portfolio of brands, including properties in their luxury and upscale division, as well as midscale and economy. Participants can be placed in one or more of these departments:
  • Food and Beverage
  • Rooms (Housekeeping, Front Office, Reservations, Guest Services, etc.)
  • Culinary
  • Spa
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Talent and Culture
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Revenue Management
• Internships and Apprenticeships: Completing an internship or apprenticeship at Accor’s Corporate Offices or within their hotels,brands and businesses is an opportunity to join the ranks of the Augmented Hospitality leader and imagine the hospitality of tomorrow. Ranging from vocational training in hotel schools to university doctorates, Accor maintain close relationships with more than 300 educational establishments through institutional partnerships in all the countries where the Group operates. Students can apply here, by searching ‘Intern’ or ‘Apprentice’.

Auckland Transport

• Journey of Discovery Graduate Programme: Work and learn from some of the most renowned leaders and specialists in the industry; build your craft to deliver strategic innovation projects and change; have exposure to a wide range of disciplines, teams and projects; develop a base of cross functional skills that will enable you to flex your career now and into the future; be part of AT’s graduate community and learning experiences. (Please note; graduate recruitment is paused currently, due to covid.) Email [email protected] for more details.

Kiwi Rail

• Graduate Programme: KiwiRail are looking for energetic, ambitious and talented graduates who are the next generation of influential and inspiring leaders. They offer a comprehensive rotational  2-year program which will see applicants pushed out of their comfort zone, growing towards their full potential. Upon successful completion of the programme, applicants will secure a permanent job offer. The programme’s innovative induction includes a tour across the country on KiwiRail trains and ferry services, spending time in different locations, getting to know the business at an in-depth level. Involvement in following programmes are available: Engineering  Planning, Rolling Stock Asset Services, Operations, Interislander/Tourism and Property. Apply by submitting your CV, cover letter and academic transcript and completing some online assessments. During the program applicants will:

  • Complete different business area rotations
  • Participate in formal events and training with the other graduates
  • Work closely with a mentor from Senior Management and a buddy from within the business
  • Have their performance and pay reviewed every 6 months
  • Travel to different locations around NZ and really get involved in the business
  • Participate in innovation smashes, projects and day-to-day work
  • Be part of the KiwiRail Young Professional network

Countdown

• Graduate Programme: When you think about Countdown’s size and complexity, it’s easy to imagine an interesting, diverse and satisfying career in Retail. Countdown’s next Graduate intake will be recruited for in the early months of 2021 and begin in February 2022. Involvement in following programmes are available:
  • Retail Operations and Supply Chain
  • Strategy and Analytics
  • Digital and Technology
  • Corporate Affairs
  • Finance
  • Commercial/Buying
  • Culture and People

Ports of Auckland

• Auckland 360˚ Mentorship Programme: This programme offers successful applicants the opportunity to join a dynamic work environment with exceptional opportunities to build technical skills, knowledge and gain valuable experience with NZ’s leading port. Applicants get the chance to leverage their academic studies and/or industry experience, with a multifaceted professional development approach including active exposure to core port infrastructure, operations and collaborative partnerships. The 2-year programme is designed to deliver a breadth and depth of knowledge across the organization and the wider supply chain, through a rotation-based system in active roles. The programme is a fantastic opportunity to transition into a rewarding and challenging industry and career. Download the program brochure here. Submit the application form, your CV and 1 page overview to [email protected]

Auckland Council

• Graduate Programme: This 2-year programme provides accelerated learning and development rotations through a chosen area of work. The programme will ensure hands-on experience, exposure to senior leaders and the chance to work on large-scale projects and unique developments. To be eligible, applicants need to be in their final year of a Bachelor’s degree or have graduated within the last 2-years with a relevant BA. Programme options include:

  • Humanities
  • Business
  • Planning
  • Engineering
  • Policy and Strategy
  • Science
  • Legal
  • ICT and Digital

Air New Zealand

• Engineering Graduate Scheme: A 2-year programme for Graduate Engineers looking to accelerate a career in aeronautical engineering. A unique opportunity to develop the technical and leadership skills required to lead Air NZ’s engineering development in the future. The programme offers a planned series of placements that covers the full spectrum of engineering activities supporting a 50-strong fleet that features some of the world’s most advanced passenger jets, plus other growth opportunities. Applicants should have a BA in engineering, preferably majoring in mechanical, electronics, mechatronics or engineering science.

Jetstar

• Graduate Programme: This 2-year programme, for those who are passionate about aviation and delivering great travel experiences for customers, offers graduates a diverse, exciting and supportive environment designed to develop both technical and behavioural capabilities and prepare them to excel as future leaders of Jetstar. The programme offers 2 streams which both consist of 4 diverse rotations. In each stream, students will be given a range of opportunities including leading projects, collaborating with different areas of the business, presenting to senior stakeholders, performing analysis and executing new initiatives, as well as getting involved in community and inclusion projects. There may also be some domestic and international travel. The streams offered are:
  • Generalist: offering the opportunity to have exposure to all parts of the organization (engineering, flight operations, airport services, customer experience, product and digital marketing, safety, people and communications, operational support).
  • Finance and Analytic: spending time in the Finance function, as well as using analytical skills in other functions within the business such as IT, Networks or Digital.

Park Hyatt Auckland

• Corporate Management Trainee Programme: This intensive 12-18 month program, for hospitality students who are focused on providing efficient service and meaningful experiences, is the perfect opportunity to experience every facet of hotel operations and begin a fast paced career with Hyatt Hotels. The programme offers rotation through various departments of the hotel, working in all areas of the hotel, then primarily focusing on F&B or Rooms Division, followed by a concentration in Facility Management. Trainees will participate in formal performance reviews every 6 months. On completion trainees will be ready at an Assistant Manager level and expedited to be future leaders. Apply by emailing Ken Cheng, HR Manager at [email protected] for more information.

Work Experience Programs

IHG

• Work Experience Programme: This 1 - 2 week programme consists of observing IHG colleagues and helping them with day-to-day tasks. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with outstanding leaders and find out more about career opportunities in the hospitality industry. Applicants must be at school, college, or be associated with one of IHG's community partners and be interested in learning more about hospitality and gaining employability skills. Search here for opportunities.
• First Look: Designed for those that have a passion and interest in hospitality, the First Look days range from 2-hours to 1-day spent in a hotel. Search here for opportunities which enable young people to:
  • Hear first-hand from leaders, who'll provide practical advice on career development
  • Gain a thorough understanding of the potential career paths and opportunities within IHG
  • Gain insight into the hospitality sector and what it means to work with a global leader in the industry
  • Network with hotel hiring managers, department heads and IHG colleagues
  • Build career momentum

Accor

• Meet Up: Designed to foster dialogue with students and potential candidates, Accor hold get-together “Meet Ups” at their Global Headquarters in Paris, to discuss strategic subjects in the hospitality industry. The conferences are also broadcast on Facebook Live. Accor Group's experts participate in the events, providing a unique opportunity to ask them questions and talk to ambassador employees. Start following these social media channels:
  • Students@Accor
  • https://www.linkedin.com/groups/5063699/

Countdown

• SEEDS (Students Entering Employment Developing Skills) Gateway Programme: For many young Kiwis, making decisions about what they want to do when they finish school can be daunting. To help, the Countdown SEEDS program was introduced in 2018. Delivered in partnership with ServiceIQ, SEEDS brings secondary school students into Countdown stores for real, valuable work experience, to help them to gain practical skills and knowledge. This empowers students to make informed decisions about their careers and gives store teams the chance to identify future talent. SEEDS helps make the transition from school into a career easier and students can gain credits that can be used towards the nationally recognised qualification, New Zealand Certificate in Retail (Level 2). Students are supported all the way and learn important skills in line with industry standards, including customer service; personal presentation; food safety; product knowledge and teamwork. Students receive customised learning resources, clear development plans and their work will be assessed by the ServiceIQ coordinator who also keeps their school up-to-date with progress. Schools wishing to participate should visit ServiceIQ for more information.

Internship Programs

Auckland Council

• Internship Programme: This 3-month, full-time summer Internship runs from November to February for students in the penultimate year of their degree in an aligned discipline. Intern programme options include:
  • Humanities
  • Business
  • Planning
  • Engineering
  • Policy and Strategy
  • Science
  • Legal
  • ICT and Digital

IHG

• Internship: In this hands-on programme, students learn how things work in one of the world's largest hotel companies. You'll be guided and supported all the way by IHG's outstanding leaders and feel the welcome, recognition and respect that are part of working at IHG. You’ll leave with the knowledge that working at IHG can launch you into a career full of global possibilities. Applicants must be studying, or recently graduated from an approved institution and, depending on course requirements and area of interest, will either focus on a specific role, or rotate between departments. Interns will also be involved in project work making a direct impact to the hotel's performance and on successful graduation, will be eligible to apply for a full-time role. The programme lasts from 2 weeks to 12 months, depending on course/requirements. Search here for opportunities.

Hilton

• Property Internship: Each year, Hilton selects rising undergraduate students from partner hospitality or hotel management schools for a property assignment based in a hotel or resort across the Asia Pacific Region. Apply here, or direct to your closest Hilton property. Property interns complete a general rotation through all areas of hotel operations and gain work experience in one of these disciplines:
  • Finance / Accounting
  • Food and Beverage
  • Front Office, Rooms
  • Sales / Event Services

Food Stuffs

• North Island Internship Programme: This 12-week paid internship is based in Auckland. Foodies (Foodstuffs North Island) is a team of over 22,000 that, over 100 years, has built up a network of almost 350 PAK’n’SAVE’s, New World’s, Four Squares and Gilmours stores across the North Island. Foodstuffs North Island is one of the largest organizations in NZ and they offer internships to students with avid interest in the FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) industry, studying Commerce, Engineering, Information Technology, Supply Chain Management, Project Management and any other related field. Email [email protected] for more information.

Park Hyatt Auckland

• Internship: Park Hyatt Auckland are keen to take on hospitality students in the Auckland area who are required to complete a practical internship, as part of their studies. Roles can only be provided, as available. After successful completion of internship placement, successful students may be offered employment. Employees at Park Hyatt are able to complete industry-supported tertiary qualifications at their own pace, up to NZMA Level 4 equivalent, whilst continuing to work. Email Ken Cheng, HR Manager at [email protected] for more information.

Apprentice Programmes

Real Journeys

• Wisdom Workers: Real Journeys is the second biggest maritime training employer in NZ, behind the Navy. Its Wisdom Workers scheme enables young employees to train with qualified skippers and achieve a Qualified Deck Crew, Master’s Assistant and Onboard Passenger Services ticket from Maritime NZ. The supporting workbook is fully customised to Real Journeys and incorporates both internal learning material and industry Standard Operating Procedures. 6 NZQA qualified workplace-assessors and 2x Maritime NZ examiners, who are also Real Journeys skippers, verify, observe and mentor crew progress throughout training. Real Journeys is currently trialing a Skipper Restricted Limits course for 4x employees that have been identified as future launch masters; this program may be offered in future. Email [email protected] to express interest.

Service IQ and Employer

• Service IQ Apprenticeship Programme: Apprenticeships are a proven way for businesses to develop excellent skills and expertise in the workplace and employees to build satisfying careers, on the job. The apprenticeship program takes 2 – 3 years to complete, depending on the industry; employees learn at their own pace and training mostly takes place in the workplace. ServiceIQ offers the following:
  • NZ Apprenticeship in Cookery
  • NZ Apprenticeship in Food and Beverage
  • NZ Apprenticeship in Catering Services
  • NZ Apprenticeship in Aeronautical Engineering
  • NZ Apprenticeship in Aviation Aeronautical Engineering

To be eligible, applicants need to have a job in a relevant service industry and their employer to support the application. Non-residents can apply, provided they are employed full-time in a relevant workplace and hold a 2-year work visa. 

Many workplaces are eligible for a wage subsidy, through the government's apprentice support program. Employers will be paid $1,000/month for apprentices in their first 12 months of training and $500/month for apprentices in their second 12 months of training. Current apprentices must have done less than 24 months training. The Apprenticeship Boost scheme runs for 20 months from August 2020, the max. that can be paid is $16,000 for a new apprentice. Employers can apply for Apprenticeship Boost whether an apprentice has just started training, or is nearing the end of their first 2 years. Find out more about Apprenticeship Boost here.

Apply here, email [email protected], or call 0800 863 693 to talk to a ServiceIQ Sector Advisor.

Countdown

• Butchery or Bakery: At Countdown, you can have the opportunity to become a trade qualified Butcher or Baker and learn while you earn. Countdown partner with top-notch external providers, which adds to the large support network you will have throughout your apprenticeship, allowing you to gain specialist skills and experience. You’ll have a full time job and study part time and students will receive customised learning resources, clear development plans and have their work assessed by the ServiceIQ coordinator, who also keeps their school up-to-date with progress. Schools wishing to participate should visit ServiceIQ for more information and read the info here. 
  • Bakery Apprentice: the opportunity to earn a National Certificate in Baking Level 4. Ideal for people who have a love for hands-on creative work and a bit of science. There is plenty of variety, no day is the same - from making the breads to being the creative mind behind new bakery products, or designing and decorating a wide range of cakes and muffins. The learning opportunities are endless. The apprenticeship consists of a combination of distance learning materials and on-the-job assessments.
  • Butchery Apprentice: earn a National Certificate in Meat Retailing (Proficient) Level 3 and gain supreme skill and techniques required to deliver high quality products. Butchery requires strength and precision, but also customer service and presentation skills.

Food Stuffs

• Development Programme: Foodies (Foodstuffs North Island) is a team of over 22,000 that, over 100 years, has built up a network of almost 350 PAK’n’SAVE’s, New World’s, Four Squares and Gilmours stores across the North Island. Foodstuffs North Island is one of the largest organizations in NZ and they’ve focused on creating a range of tailored training and development courses and programmes to help people reach their potential. Foodstuffs train more bakers and butchers than anyone else in NZ and run produce, deli and seafood training. Their development programs are designed to give people the skills and confidence they need to grow in themselves and grow into leaders worth following. Email  [email protected] for more information.

Park Hyatt Auckland

• Culinary and F&B Apprenticeship: Park Hyatt Auckland are currently developing Culinary and F&B Apprenticeships for hospitality students in the Auckland. These will be implemented in 2021 and, after successful completion of the apprenticeship, successful students may be offered employment. Employees at Park Hyatt are able to complete industry-supported tertiary qualifications at their own pace, up to NZMA Level 4 equivalent, whilst continuing to work. Email Ken Cheng, HR Manager at [email protected] for more information.

NZSki

• Rookie Programme: The Rookie programme is designed to kickstart your journey to becoming a professional ski or snowboard instructor. Led by highly experienced trainers, the programme is designed for NZ or Australian citizens/residents who inspire to follow one of the best and original pathways to becoming a qualified Snowsports Instructor. The first step is a 2-day Rookie Instructor Hiring Clinic, where, if successful, you will be offered a full-time seasonal role with NZSki at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables (or likely both) or Mt Hutt Snowsports Schools as a ‘Rookie’ Instructor. The ongoing training and opportunity to teach will set you up for success in your NZSIA or SBINZ Level 1 Certification and provide an opportunity to progress onto Level 2 Certification in the same or following season. Rookie instructors are employed from 21 June to 26 Sept 2021 (longer, if available) and can work 3-5hrs/day. Rookies should train on snow as much as possible, outside of teaching hours, to support development. Any instructors entering the 2021 NZSki Rookie programme must be capable of passing the SBINZ or NZSIA Level 1 Certification. NZSki are looking for key attributes of communication, empathy, connection skills, team focus and advanced competency in skiing or riding ability. NZSki Rookies are trained to be ‘work ready’ and will be ready to teach First Timers, learner/novice levels and school groups, once they are signed off as ‘ready to deliver positive customer experiences’ by trainers at the 2-day clinic. NZSki will pay for each new Rookie’s NZSIA or SBINZ Level 1 Certification course and NZSki Snowsports staff receive a 50% discount if they progress in the same year to NZSIA or SBINZ Level 2 courses. The 2-day Hiring Clinic costs $150 (lift pass and equipment additional cost if you don’t have your own). Hiring Clinic Sat 19 June - Sun 20 June 2021 Coronet Peak and Sat 12 June - Sun 13 June 2021 Mt Hutt. To register for the 2-day clinic, visit here. Once NZSki receive your booking, they’ll send a link for you to provide further information, including proof of residency. For more information call NZSki Reservations and Snowsports anytime on 0800 697 547 or email [email protected] to connect with one of their team for further information.

If you’re interested in a Maritime career on board Cruise Ships, you might like to check out the various Cadetship and Graduate programmes run by the following international companies:

• P&O Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Carnival Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Seabourn
• Cunard
• Royal Caribbean