Tertiary education proposals welcomed by Chamber

Media Release
2 October 2013

Tertiary education proposals welcomed by Chamber

Wellington’s business community will welcome the stronger links with tertiary education providers proposed in the Government’s Draft Tertiary Education Strategy announced today, says Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce CEO Raewyn Bleakley.

Wellington’s education sector is also likely to benefit from proposed changes to the way universities operate.

“The changes proposed in the draft strategy have the potential to make a huge difference to the way young people are educated and trained for their working life.

“It’s important we find ways to improve how tertiary education supports industry, innovation, and economic growth, and this looks to be doing just that.

“Business has a big part to play in this. We welcome the emphasis of this proposed strategy on delivering skills for industry, getting at-risk young people into a career, boosting achievement of Māori and Pasifika, improving adult literacy and numeracy, growing international linkages, and strengthening research-based institutions.

“If we can get the linkages right between employers and students to give them the skills they need, the whole economy will benefit. They will be also better prepared to compete on the world stage.”

Raewyn Bleakley said proposed changes to university councils have the potential to help the city’s universities remain competitive on the international stage.

“The education sector is an absolutely vital part of the Wellington economy, and international students are a big part of that. If we are to continue to attract them, we must remain relevant a time when there is a lot of competition for the same students, and where online education is becoming more attractive for some.

“Wellington has much to offer in the way of a special student destination and culture, but we have to be able to adapt quickly if we are to stay up with trends, and having more nimble university councils and clearer accountabilities will go a long way toward that.”

The Chamber will study the proposal documents before making detailed submissions on them.

ENDS

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