Skills Leadership Action To Boost Economy
Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) are planning further improvements in skills training to boost the economy. Some
40 ITOs meet in Wellington this week to workshop strategies and share good practice that will lead to more people
engaged in workplace-based learning, more productive workplaces, a more productive economy, and a more inclusive
knowledge society.
“Enough of the skill shortage problem is understood so we can get on with helping more people get the quality
workplace-based learning that is clearly a large part of the solution”, said Darel Hall Executive Director of the
Industry Training Federation.
“Not a week goes by without a local authority, government agency or employer discussing the skills shortage. Alasdair
Thompson, Chief Executive of the Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern), is one of many employers and leaders in a wide range of fields that have
identified a lack of skilled people as hindering economic growth. This was a clear message from the EMA’s recent
‘Developing the Skills for Growth’ conference.
“ITOs already make a huge contribution to solving the skills shortage but there is much more to done. Industry Training
is an integral part of the vision to transform New Zealand into a knowledge society. A highly skilled workforce engaged
in continuous learning and adaptable to change is an essential foundation for the economic and social well-being of New
Zealand.
“On Thursday ITOs will continue the work to turn the vision into a reality”, said Darel Hall.