Providing tomorrow’s skills today

March 17 2005

Industry Training providing tomorrow’s skills today

“A 10% increase in the number of people involved in Industry Training over the last year shows progress is being made on reducing skills shortages and providing tomorrow’s skills today”, said Darel Hall Executive Director of the Industry Training Federation.

“The latest figures show that nearly 140,000 learners were in Industry Training in 2004. Every one of those 140,000 is working, none are increasing their student loan, and all of them are increasing their skills for their current job and future work. NZIER research in 2004 showed the significant productivity increases that industry trainees will achieve.

Future growth path to 250,000 learners

“These results show that the government’s targets of 150,000 in industry training will be achieved in 2005. ITF research in 2004 showed that the 250,000 target by 2007 is feasible, with an estimated demand of between 223,580 and 271,833 during 2007.

Young people double participation

“Over the last five years the number of 15-21 year olds involved in Industry Training has almost doubled, rising from 13,828 in 2000 to 26,109 in 2004. This is an important statistic for the many industries that face an aging workforce and are trying to attract younger workers for their long term workforce needs.

Female participation leaping ahead

“The figures show that female participation has more than doubled in the last 5 years, rising from 17,895 in 2000 to 37,030. Female participation is rising at double the rate of male participation – 16% to 8% in 2004. ITF research predicted the increase in female participation as the overall places available for industry training increased thereby enabling an expansion in coverage of occupations and industries where women work in higher proportions.

A time to celebrate results

“The increased participation in Industry Training is a credit to the hard work of Industry Training Organisations (ITOs), many of whom are delivering more than they are being paid to.

“ITOs are uniquely placed to ensure tomorrow’s skill needs are met, and the ITF looks forward to working constructively with the Government to create an environment where this can happen. Today is a time to celebrate results; tomorrow we get back to the hard graft of ensuring skill needs are underpinned by funding and policy structures”, said Darel Hall.

ENDS

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