A partnership with a purpose has seen Wintec students using Cambridge company Rocketspark’s web building platform to create free e-commerce sites for Waikato businesses.
More than 80 ecommerce websites have been built by Wintec students studying the Graduate Diploma in Supply Chain Logistics since 2019 for start-ups and existing businesses.
Supporting local business owners facing the effects of a Covid-19 hampered economy and new startups are areas in need, and head of partnerships at Rocketspark, Jason Tiller, says they will continue to supply their award-winning website builder and work with students to continue the successful programme.
“Every business needs a website and the students can design a bespoke ecommerce website for a
local business, for free.
“This partnership is creating a path for business to sell online, and it proves you don’t need to outlay massive amounts of money to launch into the e-commerce space.”
He said that while the world has changed in many ways due to Covid-19, ecommerce has grown significantly.
Waikato Chamber of Commerce chief operating officer Paula Sutton runs a small business with her sister, Amy, creating artworks that celebrate New Zealand. They had no visible presence online until Paula worked with Wintec students last semester on a new ecommerce website for Ampa.
“Working with the students from Wintec was an absolute pleasure,” said Sutton.
“The students took their time in getting to know us and understand what we wanted from a new website that more accurately reflected our brand. Our new online presence now echoes our passion for creating good quality artwork that celebrates New Zealand.”
Wintec academic Ehsan Yaeghoobi tutors the Graduate Diploma in Supply Chain Logistics, a programme for people who already have a degree, or relevant work experience, and want to upskill into supply chain and management positions.
“Supply chain logistics is an increasingly exciting and vital space connecting suppliers, distributors, manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers to end users. Ecommerce is an important link, and Covid-19 has shown that being able to sell online and deliver in contactless ways is now more important than ever. It is a vital link in the supply chain,” says Yaeghoobi.
The students’ work is overseen and mentored by Rocketspark design partner Rachel Bauer from Luna Solutions. Rocketspark’s award-winning Customer Success team is also made available to students throughout the programme.
Wintec and Rocketspark’s practical website design programme aims to give Wintec students real-life insight into what’s required for a business to operate online, the ecommerce web building process and how to set it up in a way that Google likes, so it can be found by potential customers.
“Once our students have completed their projects, the website is handed over to the business owner who will then be able to edit their content and go live with a special offer from Rocketspark for ongoing hosting,” adds Yaeghoobi.
