News | Online Training Helps School Students Get Ready for Rugby World Cup

A new online training programme – ‘First Impressions’ – will help school students around New Zealand be part of the excitement of Rugby World Cup (RWC 2011) and prepare them to be great hosts to visiting Rugby Fans.

The New Zealand 2011 Office has developed the interactive online training programme to help frontline organisations upskill for Rugby World Cup 2011. ATTTO has worked with New Zealand 2011 to offer the training to secondary schools, along with a supporting classroom worksheet.

The training and worksheet will help secondary school teachers and students make the most of RWC 2011 as a learning opportunity, while earning New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) credits.

First Impressions is available for free at www.firstimpressions.nz2011.govt.nz. It is based on the training developed for the official Rugby World Cup ‘Team 2011’ volunteers, and takes around two hours to complete.

The training covers how the RWC Tournament works, customer service excellence, visitor expectations, the cultures and languages of the visiting teams and fans, and information on the REAL New Zealand Festival and Showcase, which will run alongside the Tournament. Participants will be offered a certificate and badge when they have successfully completed the training.

ATTTO Chief Executive Elizabeth Valentine encourages students to complete the First Impressions training at home or in the classroom, as part of their study.

The online training introduces some of the knowledge required for unit standard 24726 (Describe and compare social and cultural impacts of tourism; 3 credits). A new classroom worksheet developed by ATTTO provides an alternative option for assessment of this unit. It is recommended that students also refer to ATTTO’s student manual for this unit.

“For students, particularly tourism students, RWC 2011 is a chance to learn how countries and communities can leverage off major events and the kinds of economic, social and cultural benefits they deliver,” says Elizabeth.

“The First Impressions training is a fun and interactive way for students to learn about the role they have in welcoming visitors this year and how to be great hosts. The additional worksheet will help students understand the value RWC 2011 will deliver to New Zealanders.”

Director of the New Zealand 2011 Office Leon Grice launched the First Impressions training this week, saying it was a  way for New Zealanders to rise to the challenge of having 85,000 plus visitors in New Zealand for RWC 2011. 

“It gives New Zealanders the chance to be part of the Tournament and of a nationwide team pulling together to deliver an outstanding welcome to our visitors. On top of that, it will leave a legacy for many young New Zealanders planning a career in tourism.”