Tertiary Education Strategy Just the Start
5 March 2014
The Industry Training Federation welcomes today’s release of the Government’s Tertiary Education Strategy.
“With a clear focus on delivering skills for industry this places industry training organisations at the center of
skills development and ensures that New Zealand is well placed for future economic growth” said the Industry Training
Chief Executive Mark Oldershaw
“It is encouraging to see vocational education and training taking a much more prominent place in the tertiary education
strategy that it has historically. With only 30% of school leavers going on to university education, the tertiary
education sector must recognise the importance of vocational training in enabling career opportunities for the other
70%.”
Each year, thousands of employees gain skills, knowledge and qualifications across a vast range of industries through
vocational training. “Developing a skilled workforce boosts our economy and improves our quality of life. It is
heartening to see ‘delivering skills for industry’ as the first listed priority in the draft strategy”
Mark says the tertiary education sector, industry and Government have a shared responsibility to ensure vocational
training continues to make learning really count. “Employers must drive the demand for skills, and the tertiary
education sector must respond quickly to that demand.”
Mark warns however that the release of the strategy is just the start of a much wider process. The challenge now for
Government and industry alike is to ensure that the mechanisms are in place to show that the strategy can be delivered
in an effective and efficient manner. This will require a much for flexible and agile funding model to ensure that
tertiary and vocational training institutions are able to react and predict industry skill requirements.
“Tertiary education is now very much driven by the demands of employers rather than just enrolling students with no real
consideration for the job or career options ahead.” The success or otherwise of this strategy will be determined by
meeting the needs of employers and providing graduates with sustainable careers within New Zealand. This is where the
Government’s legacy within tertiary education will ultimately be measured.”
The Industry Training Federation is a voluntary membership organisation representing all of New Zealand's Industry
TrainingOrganisations.
ENDS