Review into Industry Training welcomed

Fri, 11 Feb 2005 [

Review into Industry Training and Polytechnic provision welcomed

"The Review into Industry Training and Polytechnic provision announced by the Minister of Education Trevor Mallard today is welcomed by Industry Training Organisations (ITOs)" said Pieter Burghout Chair of the Industry Training Federation.

"Industry Training provides excellent value for money because it draws in substantial contributions from industry. Ministry of Education calculations show that for every dollar the government contributes, industry contributes two dollars.

Anecdotally, we believe the industry contribution is even higher.
"Not only do we know it is very cost effective for the tax payer, we know that industry training increases productivity and wages. The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research report released in November 2004 shows that on average, a learner after industry training is likely to be 5% - 20% more productive than they would otherwise have been.

"The workplace is increasingly a learning space that leads to the right skills for employers and employees. More productive workplaces are a key to economic and social well being. Industry training is a key part of increasing skill to be more productive.

"There are critical issues to consider about the roles of ITOs and Polytechnics and the funding systems that underpin those roles. The ITF looks forward to continuing the constructive dialogue with Polytechnics, stakeholders and the Tertiary Education Commission about these issues", Pieter Burghout said.

ENDS

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