Otago Polytechnic Welcomes Announcement Of Te Pūkenga Proposed Operating Model

Today marks a significant step in Otago Polytechnic’s transition with Te Pūkenga, which has released its proposed Operating Model.

"We welcome the announcement of the proposed Operating Model, which is an important foundational document that sets the template for how we work together in the future," says Dr Megan Gibbons, Chief Executive Otago Polytechnic Ltd.

"It provides a high-level view of the functions and services needed to meet the needs of learners, their whānau and employers - what we will do, and how we will create that future experience.

"Feedback will be used to help confirm the final Operating Model, which will then guide our future conversations about Te Pūkenga's governance structure, regional boundaries and organisational structure," Dr Gibbons says.

The proposed Operating Model includes three key areas:

1.Strategic functions interact with and support other parts of the network and system to form strategic insights and embed the network’s strategic direction. They identify opportunities for innovation, measure the impact of initiatives and interventions, and the network’s performance.

2.Enabling functions sustain the other functions and information flows between them to enable quality, certainty and consistency across the network. Bringing together these core enabling functions also drives efficiencies and reduces duplication within the network.

3.Teaching, learning, support and navigation functions determine how we interact directly with our learners, their whānau, and employers to deliver high-quality education and effective holistic wellbeing support and empowerment.

Ako networks will bring together teams to use their knowledge, skills and competencies to support learners. Some will align to specific industries, vocational pathways and Workforce Development Councils to deliver teaching and learning and support work-based skills across the motu. Other ako networks will cover aspects of delivery such as learner support and engagement, accessibility support, equity and Te Pae Tawhiti - Te Tiriti Excellence.

The Operating Model aims to provide holistic support systems for learners and their whānau, including new services to help each learner fit their learning with different learning styles. A focus on relationships between learners and our people, employers and industry, and innovative and accessible learning environments will help all learners succeed.

Employers will also be considered part of Te Pūkenga training network and will have access to training and cultural support to help them pass on their skills in an inclusive work environment. Over time, Te Pūkenga will develop flexible learning options that fit the rhythms of different workplaces to make work-based learning fit around business needs.

Everything Te Pūkenga does will be in partnership with Te Tiriti partners. The organisation will uphold mātauranga Māori, values and principles, and recognise the importance of tailored approaches to teaching and learning. This also means Māori communities will be involved in the development and delivery of courses, support services, hui whakanui to celebrate ākonga success and everyday interactions between ākonga Māori and Te Pūkenga.

Engagement begins today and runs until 8 November.

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