Industry Training at Work Day

Media Statement
 
Industry Training at Work Day
 
Embargoed until 6.00am Thursday 1 May
 
Politicians and other community leaders are discovering one of the country’s hidden gems as part of Industry Training at Work Day today.
 
The day has been organised by the Industry Training Federation (ITF) to raise awareness and understanding of industry training.
 
“Each year 180,000 New Zealanders from 35,000 businesses and organisations take part in some form of industry training, yet understanding of the sector is low,” Industry Training Federation executive director Jeremy Baker said today.
 
“Today is about leaders in our communities taking the chance to put a human face to those statistics and talk with employers and their staff who take part in training to make their workplaces better and enhance future career options.
 
“We hope that by taking the chance to meet the people at the grassroots, leaders and decision makers will enhance their own understanding of workplace learning and also help raise awareness among the wider public.
 
“Industry training is a way to improve the skill level of the country’s workforce in a relevant and meaningful way.  The qualifications that trainees receive are developed by the Industry Training Organisations working with the industries they represent.  They are also linked to the national qualifications framework to provide formal recognition for skills provided for particular jobs.
 
“The release of the New Zealand Skills Strategy discussion document this week identifies the key role of ITOs in responding to the skill development needs of businesses.
 
“We’re extremely proud of the sector and what it achieves and we want to spread the good news,” Mr Baker said.
 
Among the visits happening as part of Industry Training at Work Day are:
 
·      Tertiary Education Minister Pete Hodgson will be visiting Matthew Richards' Dairy Farm, in Edendale with the Agriculture ITO.

·      National’s Deputy Leader Bill English will be finding out how Southern Alpine Recreation Ltd works with the Sport, Fitness and Recreation ITO to prepare its staff for the ski season at Coronet         Peak.

·      Otorohanga District Mayor Dale Williams will be down on the farm with the Agriculture ITO in Otorohanga.

·      Business New Zealand chief executive Phil O’Reilly will be at Wellington’s GT Motors to look at the training offered through the Motor ITO in the area of automotive servicing, automotive          engineering at automotive electrical and mechanical.

·      Associate Tertiary Education Minister Maryan Street will be in West Auckland at New Zealand Yachting Developments which works with the Boating ITO to help maintain its status as a world class builder of advanced composite yachts; and will also visit Crown Flooring in New Lynn.

·      Social Development and Employment Minister Ruth Dyson will be meeting apprentices working in canvas fabrication in Christchurch.

·      Nationals’s Education Spokesperson Anne Tolley will be in Gisborne with the InfraTrain ITO at Fulton Hogan
 
“We’re thrilled that they, and so many others throughout the country are taking the time to find out more about industry training,” Mr Baker said.
 
ends

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