Tuesday, 04 December 2007
Modern apprentices could be answer to kiwi manufacturing slump, says MIT
Manukau Institute of Technology’s modern apprentice numbers continue to rise, in line with the national trend. With the
government aiming for 14,000 apprentices by 2008, MIT had 180 last year and more than 200 for 2007, on top of the 16
completing their apprenticeships for 2007.
Since MIT became a coordinator of Modern Apprenticeships in 2000 a total of 422 apprentices have come through the
institute’s system.
MIT Modern Apprenticeships coordinator Larry Wiechern says the scheme has been a tremendous success for both the
institute and industry.
“It is very disappointing to read ongoing negative remarks about the scheme. These comments, largely political, are not
at all reflective of the success of the initiative or the real-world value it has provided to business and industry, on
both a regional and national scale,” says Larry.
Larry adds that through working with the modern apprentices the valuable insight into current practices and awareness of
emerging trends means that as a tertiary training provider, MIT is able to ensure courses are kept on track, modern and
relevant.
“Through this scheme, MIT has been able to work closely with our industry partners in establishing what they need from
their future tradespeople. Because of this close collaboration,n through both the employers and the modern apprentices,
we ensure our courses and training are exactly what is needed for today’s and future market needs.”
MIT’s tutors are out there in industry and act as go-betweens for the students, according to Larry, and “they are able
to see first hand current practices within the manufacturing sector”.
“The New Zealand manufacturing sector has been hit hard by the kiwi dollar and other economic changes. We’ve heard of
major iconic brands, such as Fisher & Paykel, moving operations offshore to cut costs.
“While New Zealand may struggle to run operations as cheaply as some countries offshore, there is huge scope for
financial gain by having ‘smart’ practices and ensuring that the quality of the products the country produces far
outstrips those made in other places.
“If we ensure that our future workers are highly skilled and well trained, we will ensure that we can recoup what has
been seen as significant losses in the manufacturing sector. The Modern Apprenticeships scheme is the first step towards
that.”
Set up by the government, the Modern Apprenticeships scheme links industry and polytechnics in a move to combat the
severe skills shortage that many New Zealand businesses currently face.
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Larry Wiechern, Modern Apprenticeships coordinator, believes the scheme is the first step towards combating the
manufacturing sector crisis in New Zealand.
About MIT
Manukau Institute of Technology is one New Zealand’s largest polytechnics. It offers more than 100 formal programmes at
degree, diploma and certificate level and has a student population of around 32,000. Established in 1970 as the
country’s first purpose built polytechnic, MIT delivers vocational education and training. With a workforce of 900, MIT
is one of the biggest employers in the Counties Manukau region. Manukau City is New Zealand’s fastest growing
metropolis.
ENDS