Progress with Taskforce Recommendations

29 October 2013

Progress with Taskforce Recommendations

The ideas generated by the community working parties as part of the joint Wanganui District Council and UCOL Taskforce are being actioned.

The Taskforce resulted in 45 recommendations covering four areas - the communities’ ambitions in fine arts and glass education, science technology engineering and maths provision, training for those not engaged in employment, education or training, and improving UCOL community connections.

Mayor Annette Main said a group of people have been working their way through the recommendations and are making solid progress. “For example, an inventory of all the art facilities in Wanganui has been developed. This is a valuable step forward in exploring the feasibility of a studio based model for a new arts degree. Thirty-six facilities have been identified which is fantastic. Next steps include looking at what is required academically to make this model work, and the ‘workability’ of the idea for the artists.”

UCOL also has work under way looking at the potential to offer short courses in arts and glass in 2014 to maintain momentum while research is being done on a potential new arts degree and glass qualifications. Ideas are being generated and the involvement of the arts community is important. Katrina Langdon, Associate Dean of Creative programmes at Whanganui UCOL, said that local artists, iwi and other key stakeholders will play an important role in the future of arts education in Whanganui. Plans are in place to ensure all current fine arts and glass students can complete their qualifications by the end of 2015.

Two programmes were successfully introduced in July 2013 in response to the Taskforce recommendation to provide level 1-3 programmes that attract youth who aren’t in education, employment or training. They are a Certificate in Whakairo (Visual Arts) and a Certificate in Sport and Fitness. In addition, the level 4 Certificate in Graphic Design was introduced as a collaboration between UCOL and Wanganui District Council’s Awa City Clubhouse. UCOL is keen to work with the community to ensure funded places are filled next year in Whanganui.

Whanganui UCOL’s Director of Community Relations Jo Hayes was appointed to strengthen community links and has been busy doing just that. Off to a flying start, following up a suggestion from Market organisers, Jo coordinated the opening of the Whanganui UCOL carpark during the market hours on a Saturday morning as a fund raiser for local Rotary clubs. Whanganui UCOL hosted a Business After Five function on 24 October, has an Open Day on 9 November, and Jo is keen to talk with community groups about ways to work more closely together.

Sixty-seven Whanganui secondary school students are attending UCOL’s Trades Academy this year, and more are expected to attend next year. Applications are being taken now, and programmes on offer in 2014 will be extended to include hair, beauty and fashion as well as hospitality and construction, depending on the level of interest.

Further work is continuing and the Wanganui District Council and UCOL plan to meet again before the end of the year to review ongoing progress.

ENDS

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