EIT Hawke’s Bay is experiencing a massive surge of interest in next year’s programmes, several of which are now full and are wait-listing would-be students.

Marketing Director Brenda Chapman is urging anyone wanting a place in the programme of their choice to act without delay.

“Staff here have been exceptionally busy – fielding calls, responding to queries and enrolling those who are getting in early to be assured of a place in their preferred programme.”

Next year’s allocation of 65 Youth Guarantee places is helping lift the pace at EIT, as senior high school students take the opportunity to make the transition to tertiary education.

The new Government initiative is aimed at students aged 16- 17 who have completed at least Year 11. It targets students who may have lost motivation at school or who lack a clear idea of a pathway for further education, training or work and need a boost to move into a tertiary training environment.

EIT is liaising with Hawke’s Bay secondary schools in implementing the scheme, which will fully fund students to complete a one-year Level 1-3 programme.

A process for selecting students has been put in place to select the 65 young people who will be spread across 12 programmes that are suited to Youth Guarantee students.