New ITO set for a key role in economic growth

22 August 2013

New ITO set for a key role in the country’s economic growth and prosperity

A major new infrastructure industry training organisation being created with the merging of existing ITOs InfraTrain NZ and ESITO (Electricity Supply Training Organisation) is expecting to play a key role in how infrastructure is provided for the country’s future prosperity.

As required, the merger has been approved by the Minister of Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Hon Steven Joyce.

The merger approval has been welcomed by the boards of both ITOs who have been working on the merger for the past 12 months. The two organisations will officially join on 1 October.

ESITO chairman John McEnteer says both organisations understand well the importance of trained people who can contribute to the provision of crucial infrastructure. A significant factor underpinning the concept of an infrastructure centric ITO is a desire for closer alignment to government policy. Developing New Zealand’s infrastructure through a National Infrastructure Plan has been identified as a key area forming the Business Growth Agenda.

“We want this to be a smooth well planned transition and as a consequence the changes won’t be sudden. We wish to take our time to ensure we capture the best from both ITOs for an even better organisation in the future,” he says.

Chair of InfraTrain NZ, Alister Harlow, says the merger brings together two successful ITO’s who have good engagement with their sponsoring industries. He says the focus of the merger is on improved service levels to employers and trainees. There will be a transitional phase for customers over the next few months while the businesses are aligned and this will mean people accessing their training through both InfraTrain NZ and ESITO will notice very little change initially, he says.

The merged ITO will work to provide training for those working to construct and maintain New Zealand's infrastructure to ensure it is resilient, co-ordinated and contributes to economic growth and increased quality of life.

The next step in the merger process is a confirmation of the new organisation’s rules at an ESITO Special General Meeting at the end of this month.

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