academyEX awards 152 postgraduate & masters degrees

Higher education institute academyEX has awarded Postgraduate and Masters degrees to 152 students, marking a significant milestone in its academic offerings. This includes the inaugural cohort of graduates with a 'Master of Change and Organisational Resilience' and the first international completion of a 'Master of Technological Futures' degree, which the institute describes as a redesign of traditional learning.

Simona Turin, CEO of academyEX, highlighted the institute's innovative approach to modern education. "Our courses are designed to offer up-to-the-minute learning about subjects including AI that are brand new to society, business and academia. What's more, every student is given the opportunity to put their knowledge to work by applying it to a 'real world' scenario in projects that have seen graduates develop new models, products and even brand-new businesses," she explained.

The projects undertaken by the graduates address a variety of contemporary challenges. Examples include facilitating innovation within organisations, increasing digital technology usage in small businesses in Gisborne, enhancing knowledge sharing in the creative sector, improving online practical skills for primary student teachers studying PE, advancing key competencies for very young students through play-based approaches, and optimising ESL teaching methodologies using technology.

This marks the first offering of the 'Master of Change and Organisational Resilience', and the institute believes interest in this degree will grow as businesses seek practical, hands-on education on technological disruption and leadership. Moreover, academyEX has successfully attracted international students for its 'Master of Technological Futures' programme.

The curriculum at academyEX is designed to cater to learners in various stages of their careers. Turin emphasised the importance of lifelong learning, "academyEX was founded on the premise that none of us should ever stop learning - especially those already in careers. academyEX has been providing answers to this challenge for over a decade. We believe courses should be designed to be connective; especially when undertaken remotely, and refer to our learning environments as 'communities of changemakers and industry shakers'".

The institute's strategy appears to be effective, as evidenced by an 85% completion rate among its students. Turin noted that the majority of academyEX learners are over 35, with a significant portion being migrants or educated Maori and Pasifika, groups that often find traditional educational models challenging.

academyEX is also pioneering innovative learning experiences such as 'The AI Experience Lab'. This facility allows small business owners to explore new AI tools, bots, and apps in a practical context. Turin explained, "The AI Experience Lab is future-oriented, equipping learners with skills that are highly sought after in today's evolving job market. Participants leave the lab with a stronger understanding of AI that can drive opportunity and innovation in their careers. The experience is accessible to learners of all backgrounds and skill levels and ensures that anyone interested in AI can benefit from this empowering and inclusive learning opportunity."

The institute has also collaborated with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to launch the award-winning 'Digital Passport', a series of free learning modules designed to build digital literacy and essential job market skills. With over 4,200 New Zealanders enrolled and more than 40,000 sessions conducted, the initiative has significantly supported individuals in acquiring new capabilities.

Reflecting on the recent graduation, Turin concluded, "We're excited to be playing a pivotal role in redesigning how New Zealanders from all walks of life and career stages learn. Importantly, we're championing coursework that moves New Zealand closer to a workforce that can 'lead; not respond' to large-scale disruption. We congratulate every one of these graduates on their significant achievement."