Learners to benefit from Otago Polytechnic-DVML deal

Otago Polytechnic and Dunedin Venues Management Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will provide Otago learners with important, real-world work experiences.

To be announced at a ceremony at Forsyth Barr Stadium at 3pm today [Tuesday 27 March], the MOU will result in Otago Polytechnic’s learners engaging in a range of paid internships and casual, voluntary placements, including on-the-ground experience in sports turf management, events management and hospitality.

Learners in Otago Polytechnic’s New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Sports Turf) programme will be offered fixed-term paid internships with DVML (up to four per year). These will include working at international sporting venues such as Forsyth Barr Stadium and the University of Otago Oval.

In addition, DVML experts will provide tutoring for learners and host field day experiences directly related to the programme, which is based at Otago Polytechnic’s Cromwell campus and is the only full-time sports turf programme on offer in New Zealand. 

The MOU also bolsters the strong relationship between DVML and Otago Polytechnic’s Bachelor of Applied Management programme, which has previously resulted in several graduates gaining full-time roles within DVML’s events management team.

Dunedin Venues will provide tutoring for learners along with a range of paid and voluntary placements, including in marketing, events management, and hospitality and catering.

DVML venues host around 500 events a year. These range from world-class concerts and international sporting fixtures at Forsyth Barr Stadium, performances at the Dunedin Town Hall, conferences at the Dunedin Centre, to events such as the Dunedin Craft Beer & Food Festival and Great Kiwi Home and Living Show.

Dunedin Venues Chief Executive Terry Davies: “DVML is excited to be working with Otago Polytechnic, providing opportunities for its students to be exposed to all aspects of our business with a focus on event management, hospitality, and turf development. 

“We have already had the advantage of employing Otago Polytechnic graduates in event coordination. This mutually beneficial partnership is a fantastic opportunity for our staff to pass on their wealth of experience and, in fact, also learn from the students.”

Otago Polytechnic Chief Executive Phil Ker says the relationship is another example of the institution empowering its learners with real skills in real environments.

“As well as preparing learners with the ability to adapt in what can be fast-moving situations, the MOU is another reminder of our commitment not only to Dunedin but the wider community.”

*The MOU between Otago Polytechnic and DVML will be announced at a ceremony at Forsyth Barr Stadium at 3pm today [Tuesday 27 March].

Read more about Otago Polytechnic’s NZ Certificate in Horticulture Services (Sports Turf)

Read more about Otago Polytechnic’s Bachelor of Applied Management

Read more about Otago Polytechnic’s Hospitality Management programmes