Fresh approach needed to boost managerial skills

Wednesday, 07 November 2007

Fresh approach needed to boost trades managerial skills, says MIT director

Convincing apprentices and tradespeople to continue on to diploma level qualifications as a step up the career ladder is going to be a real challenge for Government, according to Manukau Institute of Technology, director of Technology, Paul Jeurissen.

“The government is trying to provide funding to complete Level 4 national qualifications for those who are under 25,” says Paul. “The purpose of this is to encourage those already at institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs) to study further towards Level 5 and Level 6 diplomas.”

Paul says while this is a good long-term approach and many tradespeople will benefit from these higher level qualifications, it will be a tough call convincing apprentices to give up their wages to take up full time study for one to two years.

“Tradespeople perceive they have been paid as apprentices; earning as they’re learning. Once qualified, they know they will then jump from an apprentice to a tradesperson’s wage. Therefore, to convince them that long-term benefits potentially outweigh the short-term benefits will be challenging as it means they will be leaving the tools and, in turn, a wage,” he says.

However, Paul says those who do head down the diploma level path create great opportunity for themselves in management and supervisory roles. Not only will the higher qualification boost their own professional development but it could help combat New Zealand’s ongoing skills crisis – particularly at managerial levels.

“The way to ensure we get good tradespeople with sound supervisory skills is to make the path for lifelong study practical and appealing to those who may be more focused on earning a pay cheque in the short term.

“Government should explore more flexible tertiary study options and engage in meaningful consultation with employers, tertiary education providers, ITOs and students. Through this ‘four-prong’ approach we can look at a way of allowing tradespeople to study further while they are able to continue earning while they learn,” he says.

An independent report reflects a marked increase in wages between starting, qualified and full wages after five years. For example, a plumber may start at $8.20 per hour, but jump to nearly $25 per hour once qualified and after five years will be earning $25-plus per hour. Hairdressers leap from $8.20 to more than $30 per hour after gaining a qualification and five years experience under their belt!

Apprentice rates show that the median starting wage is $15 per hour, which rises to $19.50 per hour once qualified and then after five years experience increases further to $25 per hour.

“These figures show there has to be relevant, workable study options for today’s workforce with real incentives for employees to upskill.

“While MIT believes, supports and advocates very strongly in the life-learning concept of education and training, we need to ensure our future workforce is not putting study on hold for short term benefits. Too often recently qualified tradespeople pursue other life goals and do not return to study as economics dictate they continue working full time.”

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About MIT

Manukau Institute of Technology is one New Zealand’s largest polytechnics. It offers more than 100 formal programmes at degree, diploma and certificate level and has a student population of around 32,000. Established in 1970 as the country’s first purpose built polytechnic, MIT delivers vocational education and training. With a workforce of 900, MIT is one of the biggest employers in the Counties Manukau region. Manukau City is New Zealand’s fastest growing metropolis.

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