Competenz, one of this country’s largest Industry Training Organisations (ITO) says the announcement by Education
Minister Chris Hipkins proposing reforms to the sector including the merging of ITOs and polytechnics, could undermine
critical workplace and apprenticeship training – training that is vital in addressing New Zealand’s skills shortages.
“The changes the government has proposed in its Vocational Education and Training review are more complex and far-reaching than we expected. It’s unprecedented. There is no doubt the VET system needs modification and funding needs to be realigned to deliver
what our industries need – but these changes are too radical,” says chief executive of Competenz, Fi Kingsford.
“In a time of critical skills shortages, the last thing we want is a reform that risks undermining workplace training
and apprenticeship programmes.”
New Zealand’s skills shortage is acute. The engineering industry alone will need another 12,000 engineers by 2022.
“If we start this reform in 2020, there’s no way we’re going to hit that target. Yes the system needs reform and yes we
need to address the funding inequalities, but in our opinion, the VET changes are not the way to do it,” says Mrs
Kingsford.
Research has shown that for every $1million of government investment into tertiary education, the industry training
system produces 306 qualified people – people who are able to immediately contribute to New Zealand’s economy - while
polytechnics produce 50.
“Taxpayers are getting a much better return on investment through industry training compared to other tertiary options
and it is disappointing that the ITPs (Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics) have dominated the government’s
proposed changes.”
She says Competenz currently looks after 20,000 apprentices and trainees across 3,500 New Zealand businesses. The direct
relationship between ITOs and employers is a key factor in the success of apprenticeship and workplace training.
“The role of ITOs is crucial and with our direct line to thousands of employers, we understand the demand for trades
better than anyone else. When we surveyed employers last year, they told us that ITOs perform a critical function and
need more funding. The VET goes against what industry is saying.
“We need evolution not revolution,” adds Mrs Kingsford.