WITT partners with Taranaki Steelformers Mountainairs

Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT) has partnered with Taranaki Steelformers Mountainairs, in a play that will allow players to pursue their sporting career while also prioritising their education.

The partnership includes three scholarships for Taranaki Steelformers Mountainairs players who are looking to further their tertiary education as well as discounted tickets to home games for all WITT students.

“As a key player in the community for 50 years it is only fitting to support our local community and this is another way we can invest in our local rangatahi and help these athletes realise their off court potential,” says WITT CE John Snook.

Like WITT, Taranaki Steelformers Mountainairs has a strong history in the local community and both organisations are focused on nurturing and developing talent and giving back to their community.

Taranaki Mountainairs General Manager Mitch Langton sees the partnership as a true win-win: “The scholarships are a real selling point for our recruitment and retention of talent and having our players on campus helps raise the profile of basketball in the community.”

“Developing our people on and off the court is important to us and a tertiary qualification gives them another ‘play’ in their skillset,” he adds.

The partnership builds on the success of a similar programme between WITT and Taranaki Rugby, which saw some players awarded scholarships to help achieve their academic goals.

“At WITT we provide our entire community with opportunities to learn and upskill – from micro credentials through to degrees there’s a course of study to suit everyone. Our scholarships remove some of the financial barriers to study, allowing us to support emerging athletes to strive to both academic and sporting success,” says Snook.

WITT is the largest tertiary provider in Taranaki and this year celebrates 50 years delivering industry-relevant training to students at all stages of the learning journey. From degrees and diplomas to certificates and short courses, WITT offers study options that meet the needs of learners, businesses and communities in the region.

Pictured: Ben Carlile-Smith Taranaki Steelformers Mountainairs player currently using the scholarship to study the Bachelor of Applied Management (Level 7)