Skilled workers on the increase

19 December 2006

Skilled workers on the increase: Modern Apprenticeship and Industry Training participation continues to rise

The number of people enrolled in Modern Apprenticeships and Industry Training is continuing to rise, Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) Chief Executive Janice Shiner said today.

Figures for the year ending September 2006 show a 13 percent increase in Modern Apprenticeships and eight percent increase in Industry Training on the previous year. As at 30 September 2006, there were 9,355 Modern Apprentices while Industry Trainees numbered 125,204.

“The latest figures highlight ongoing commitment from industry and government to providing opportunities for people to access relevant, high quality work-based training,” Ms Shiner said.

The number of young people successfully completing their Modern Apprenticeship also continues to increase with more than 2,600 having completed their qualifications since establishment of the programme in 2000.

“The success of these initiatives is proof that more learners and employers are seeing the workplace as a valuable tertiary education environment. I am delighted that these programmes are continuing to show their value in developing the skills that New Zealand needs,” Ms Shiner said.

Check out the Modern Apprenticeships website (www.modernapprenticeships.co.nz) for more information.

ENDS

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