Official recognition for new Industry Training Org

OCTOBER 17, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Official recognition granted to new Industry Training Organisation

The Communications and Media Industry Training Organisation has been granted official approval by the Minister for Tertiary Education, Pete Hodgson.

The new ITO is the amalgamation of the New Zealand Journalists Training Organisation (NZJTO) and PrintNZ Training.

As such, it will be responsible for enhancing and developing workplace-based education and training for the journalism, printing and packaging fields.

NZJTO Board Chairperson Clive Lind says the Communications and Media ITO will operate as a hub, with a second tier of sector committees responsible for the needs of each individual industry.

“The new ITO will ensure the unique needs of each sector are met, while providing a common ground in which to operate,” he says. “It also provides a detailed educational structure from which to plan for the future of our industries.”

Already, work has begun on a new workplace qualification for Journalism, with strands for print, radio and television.

“This is a major step forward for those of us in the media industry who believe workplace training is important,” Mr Lind said.

PrintNZ Training Board Chairperson Graham Fear says the new ITO will be able to set standards at Levels 1-8 on the National Qualifications Framework for the journalism, graphic design, printing production, digital communications and fibreboard packaging industries.

“We’re thrilled the Tertiary Education Committee has recognised the value the new ITO will bring to the education sector,” Mr Fear says. “By setting standards common to our industries, we provide a clear and concise framework for students, apprentices, trainees and the wider tertiary sector.

“Our united voice also provides a powerful platform from which to express the views of our members and the training needs of our industries.”

The Communications and Media ITO will be led by PrintNZ chief executive Joan Grace. The ITO’s board will consist of eight members, comprising a representative of the print, journalism and packaging industries, plus two EPMU members. The final three other members will be co-opted from other Sector Committees.

ENDS

© Scoop Media