Ambitious Targets For Industry Training

MEDIA RELEASE
(Attention Chief Reporters – for immediate release)

Ambitious Targets For Industry Training

Labour’s industry training policy sets ambitious targets for the next five years said Marilyn Brady, Chairperson of the Industry Training Federation (ITF).

“Strong growth, the introduction of an education and training leaving age and establishing a research centre – these are ambitious but entirely appropriate goals,” said Ms Brady.

Labour has committed to increasing the number of learners engaged in industry training from the present 95,000 to 250,000 by 2007.

“This is a stretch target but one we welcome,” said Ms Brady.

“Managing this level of growth will require support from government, from employer- and employee-organisations, and from providers,” she said.

Labour also plans to introduce an education and training leaving age of 19.

“We have an ageing workforce and many industries are struggling to recruit skilled young people. The leaving age strategy should improve the supply of skilled young people for employment and for further education and training,” said Ms Brady.

The ITF also strongly supports the establishment of a national centre for vocational education and training research.

“Research is essential. We need robust information on the returns on investment from training, on international best practice, and on how to engage women and Maori. A research centre, not necessarily bricks and mortar, is critical to the realisation of the growth targets and to confidence that the investment in training is making a difference to New Zealand,” said Ms Brady.

ENDS

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