What tertiary education is right for you?

In the article(external link) Nigel talked about considering all the available options.

A good time to study trades
He says, "We've got a real shortage of skilled tradespeople in this country and it's only going to get worse." A tool recently put together by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment highlights future projected job prospects in this area. At NMIT we see this. One example is all graduates from the first graduation group of the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil Engineering) have already found work. Another is business owner, Nick Skeggs. In four years he went from carpentry apprentice to starting his own company Elevation Construction. He now employs apprentices from the same carpentry programme he completed at NMIT.

Gain a complete qualification in one year 
Ahead of his final programme in the television series, “The Hard Stuff", Nigel Latta also talked about students "racking up big student loans and come out with a degree they're not even sure they want - if they finish at all". 
A number of NMIT's programmes are part of a career pathway meaning if a student decides on a change of direction or gets a job they can complete their current qualification usually within six months or a year. Students in Adventure Tourism complete the New Zealand Certificate in Adventure Tourism and Guiding in their first year and the New Zealand Diploma in Adventure Tourism and Guiding in their second year. Programme Coordinator Todd Jago says, “Studying adventure tourism is a ticket to an adventurous, varied lifestyle that can take you around the world. All of last year’s diploma graduates went straight into industry jobs, with some receiving multiple offers.”
Tracey Leader found her qualification helped her get a new job. Alongside her previous employment, she completed the Certificate in Community Support Services and received three certificates including a workplace first aid certificate.

NMIT’s degree programmes offer practical work experiences alongside the theory
Commerce degree student, Laura Duquemin, came to NMIT from the University of Otago. At the time she said, "I came back because I felt that university wasn't for me. It was really big and overwhelming." Laura is studying towards a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Management and Marketing. Earlier this year she was selected as one of only six students nationwide to be a student ambassador for the Human Resources Institute of New Zealand. As part of her degree this year she has worked as an intern at a local firm, Intepeople Human Resources Consultants.
NMIT has a different approach to universities. It is all about gaining the knowledge to enter the workplace as a capable employee. Degree programmes, like the Bachelor of Aquaculture and Marine Conservation have field trips on average every week. The students are involved in work placements throughout their degree. Marketing and International Development Director, Virginia Watson says, "We design our programmes to combine academic rigour with practical applications such as industry placements, practical projects, and lab work so the students are learning and doing at the same time."

All NMIT programmes have close links to industry

NMIT's programmes are designed with industry to make sure the skills being gained are what the industry needs, which naturally helps students find work on completing their qualification. The Aquaculture programmes are delivered partly at the Glen facilities in conjunction with the Cawthron Institute of Nelson. Virginia says, “The close relationship with Cawthron and the industry is a key part of this programme.” NMIT is also the only tertiary institution to partner with the Department of Conservation to deliver the Trainee Ranger programme. Many of the graduates are still working in various levels, including management, of the Department of Conservation years after they graduate.
“We are fortunate to offer one of the most desirable areas in New Zealand in which to live and study, and have a group of enthusiastic tutors committed to helping our students reach their goals in a wide range of exciting fields,” Virginia says.