More polytechnic spaces for young people welcome

Media Release
3 August 2009

TEU welcomes more polytechnic spaces for young people

The Youth Guarantee Scheme announced yesterday delivers a much needed increase in available places for would-be students at polytechnics and institutes of technology,” says TEU national secretary Sharn Riggs.

“Creating 600-700 new places for young students is a crucial step towards giving some of our young people a chance to learn skills and knowledge that will help them into decent jobs. Our polytechnics and institutes of technology have been bursting at the seams because of the combined effect of a baby boom of young people passing through and the recession encouraging many new people to take up study. While this package won’t address the ministry’s projected shortfall of 6000-8000 students likely to be turned away from polytechnics this year, it is the first positive news in quite some time.”

“The education component of the Youth Guarantee Scheme is better than it was when the government first announced it during the election. We also welcome the summer research scholarships to keep young university students in jobs over summer, and the fees-free training in polytechnics, wānanga, or private training establishments for 1000 students per year for the next two years. All of these initiatives will give education opportunities to new students – and that is important,” said Ms Riggs.

ENDS

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