Known as Yoobee Colleges, five design and arts colleges have been incorporated to create New Zealand's largest independent specialised tertiary education provider specialising in creative and IT disciplines.

Delivering practical and industry relevant learning and training, Yoobee Colleges consists of what was known as South Seas Film - Television School, Animation College, Yoobee School of Design, and AMES - The Institute of IT and Design and Arts (Canterbury). The colleges collectively had around 1,800 students across seven national campuses, which now come under the new, stand-alone brand.

Yoobee Colleges chief executive officer Ana Maria Rivera says, “As one brand we can strengthen relationships, and enable greater pathway options for students and stronger educational outcomes. We have some of the best creative educators in New Zealand on board for the joint purpose of training the country's top creatives and IT professionals, and getting them into rewarding careers.

Offering a range of bachelor degrees, diplomas and certificates, Yoobee Colleges focuses on IT and creative specialisations including design, animation, technology, film, makeup, fashion and performing arts.

These disciplines fall into five specific schools: School of Design, School of Animation, School of Film, School of Technology and Short - Online Courses.

According to a statement from the college, the schools collectively focus on ‘turning creativity into careers in New Zealand and around the globe'. Students will be led through their courses by specialised academic tutors and industry personnel.

Rivera says, “While our name will change, the results of years of programme development and refinement, and our colleges' excellent academic track record will remain, ensuring we continue to deliver the best creative and IT educational opportunities and outcomes in New Zealand.

“As a group we are joining a community of colleges at the cutting edge of the technical and creative sectors, delivering top-notch work- and world-ready graduates with an amazing combination of technical and soft skills which is what the industry is crying out for," she says.

The rebrand includes a new website, logo, graphics, communications and correspondence. The new brand assets include a refined logo, along with a new website and other visual communications that utilise simple graphics.

“Throughout the redesign process we had the opportunity to reflect on what makes us a respected creative and IT education group. It became apparent that our welcoming environment, where students are supported to learn work-ready skills, was really valued. Students felt they found their tribe, and their creativity was directed into career pathways. With small classes, mentoring, industry experienced tutors, access to the latest facilities and events, we are excited to continue our reputation as the hub of creative and digital learning,” Rivera says.

Yoobee Colleges is a NZQA-ranked Category 1 provider.