Tertiary Education Strategy delivers for growth, business

5 March 2014

Tertiary Education Strategy delivers for growth, business

The Government’s new Tertiary Education Strategy delivers in the areas needed to help drive economic growth and support business success, says Business Central Chief Executive Raewyn Bleakley.

“This is a comprehensive strategy which will enable tertiary institutions to equip people with the skills and knowledge needed to build a productive and competitive business sector.

“In particular, I’m delighted there is a very strong emphasis on delivering skills for industry and on improving adult literacy and numeracy.

“These are essential elements for an efficient and productive workforce.

“Ensuring the development of skills across the workforce, relevant to industry and business, is a major driver towards the improving productivity needed to achieve higher economic growth”

“Strengthening relationships between education and employers is crucial to achieving that, as is addressing new and emerging shortages in specific areas, such as information and communications technology, and the science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills needed for innovation and economic growth.

“Business will play its part.

“These are New Zealand’s growth areas and the strategy recognises that.

“Having graduates with both transferable skills and specific qualifications that are matched to labour market demand is vital.

“Key also is the emphasis on the literacy and numeracy.

“The workplace is becoming increasingly dynamic and the opportunity to re-skill is essential to many careers, so the emphasis on this is most welcome, as these are crucial skills and competencies for the needs of business.

“Having a diverse and flexible range of foundation skills programmes that reflect learners’ different needs and abilities will mean will show dividends across the workplace in the long run, and that is good for workers and for business.”

ENDS

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