Iwi Grows Education Opportunities

Iwi Grows Education Opportunities

Top of the south iwi Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō is reaping the benefits of a Memorandum of Understanding signed with Workforce Development Ltd.

Brendon Wilson, Chairman of Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō said the partnership established with Workforce Development Ltd would provide iwi members currently in employment with foundational education, such as Literacy & Numeracy via workplace training programmes.

“This, and other initiatives such as our Computers-in-Homes partnership, form an integral part of our education strategy, Te Whare Mātauranga a Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, which focuses on providing our iwi members with tools and skills that create positive pathways for improved skills development,” said Brendon Wilson.

“Omega Seafoods are on board and their Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō employees can access Numeracy & Literacy programmes via the workplace.

“As part of their commercial relationship with Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Omega Seafoods is now providing skills training opportunities to Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō employees. All our partnerships include more than just a financial return. We look for additional social and educational benefits as we prefer partnerships with those who are prepared to go the extra distance,” Brendon Wilson said.

“It is pleasing to hear feedback from the employers, and the employees and supervisors involved that, as a result of this programme employees are taking more initiative and are able to be given more responsibility in their roles.”

Dr Aaron Shackell-Smith, CEO of Workforce Development Ltd said the company aimed to work with iwi to provide a range of training and development initiatives across a number of industry sectors.

“The programme can be tailored to the needs of the company and the individuals involved, which helps with engagement and satisfaction for both the participants and employers.”

Workforce Development Ltd has also been willing to invest in the training of kaiako (tutors) to deliver programmes that are relevant and practical.

“We see our role not simply as providers of training, but as ‘enablers’ who can play a role in assisting the iwi to develop its own training and development capabilities,” said Dr Shackell-Smith.

“We are excited at the prospect of working with Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, and look forward to assisting the iwi to achieve its economic and social development ambitions.”

“Our aim is not just to provide valuable workforce development and foundational skills to our members, but also to develop our capacity and capability to be in a position to deliver those programmes as well, under the guidance of Workforce Development NZ,” said Brendon Wilson.

“Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō has a successful Wānanga programme for cultural revitalisation, and we are exploring a number of other initiatives to provide our members with access to learning opportunities.”

Workforce Development Ltd is a private training company that has served New Zealand communities, businesses and government departments for over 20 years. The company provides practical expertise combined with a personal, relaxed and open approach to business.

ENDS

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