Issues of recruitment and retention for a new engineering provider

As a new provider of engineering, Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) faces a significant number of challenges in attracting and retaining quality students. As the primary funder of Universities, the New Zealand Government is providing conflicting funding directives, desiring an increase in student numbers, but penalizing poor course completion rates and banning funding on foundation or bridging courses. This paper details the development of a successful engineering programme, focusing on the modern “digital” aspects of engineering, in the face of these challenges.