MEDIA RELEASE
(Attention Chief Reporters – for immediate release)
Strong Tertiary Education Board Includes Industry Training Leader
The Government has today announced the full membership of the transition Tertiary Education Board (TEC) which will
include industry training leader John Blakey. John is the current Chairperson of the Industry Training Federation (ITF)
as well as Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Industry Training Organisation (ITO).
“John’s appointment to the Board of transition TEC recognises the diversity of the tertiary education sector as well as
the depth and breadth of John’s experience. He has extensive experience in the senior secondary system, in polytechnics,
overseas, as well as in industry training. John is a recognised leader not only within industry training but more
generally, within the tertiary education sector,” said Paul Williams, Executive Director of the ITF.
The ITF has been an active and enthusiastic supporter of the reforms of tertiary education and the formation of TEC. TEC
brings together the traditional tertiary sector with the dynamic vocational education and training sector including
ITOs.
“ITOs are fast growing, are dynamic and innovative and have proved they have a vital role creating the knowledge
society. The last few years have seen significant increases in participation by trainees and by employers, in
achievement, and in quality,” he said.
“We’re also pleased to see representation from employers and from unions. The engagement of employers and unions will be
critical to TEC’s success,” he said.
“The announcement today completes the preliminaries. There’s goodwill, a strong sense of direction and now a full and
capable transition TEC board. The ITF and ITOs look forward to playing a full and constructive role reforming the
tertiary sector,” said Mr Williams.
ENDS