80 places in Youth Guarantee initiative for WelTec

Media Release
September 2009

WelTec gains 80 places in Youth Guarantee initiative

Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec) has been confirmed as a successful applicant to offer the much anticipated Youth Guarantee programme as announced by Ann Tolley today.

The Youth Guarantee programme is a tertiary education initiative aimed at 16-17 year olds. The scheme, set to be delivered early in 2010, will provide young people with improved access to education through full fee subsidies for tertiary qualifications at levels 1 to 3 on the National Qualifications Framework. With embedded literacy and numeracy components, the intention of the programme is to provide clear pathways to higher level learning while ensuring the development of practical and relevant skills.

For the first year of delivery, tertiary providers nationwide were invited to submit an application to the Tertiary Education Commission. WelTec was one of the successful providers and was awarded 80 places to offer students in 2010.

Dr Linda Sissons, CEO of Wellington Institute of Technology is delighted with the decision. “The programme recognises the importance of vocational education and ensures access to tertiary education for young people that may not have been successful in a school environment.”

“WelTec is well placed to provide an innovative solution to ensure students are engaged and working towards meaningful qualifications while being responsive to business and economic needs. We currently provide for 1,335 students aged 16-17 and have a retention rate of 95 percent and successful completion rate of 81% percent.”

“As an experienced provider of trades and technology training we will be offering a range of programmes including Engineering, Automotive, Construction Trades, Hairdressing and Hospitality. Students involved in this new initiative can expect to access a range of course offerings and gain a recognised qualification designed to help them succeed with the skills and knowledge required now and in the future.”

ENDS

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