Open Polytechnic
Media Release: immediate
Date: 20 June 2014
Open Polytechnic proud to be part of new trades training consortium
A new Māori and Pasifika trades training consortium is an innovative blend of distance learning, community support,
industry partners and employers says Open Polytechnic Chief Executive Dr Caroline Seelig.
The Southern Initiative Infrastructure Consortium Māori and Pasifika Trades Training is a south Auckland based
initiative which will enable more young Māori and Pasifika to become qualified in trades associated with the
infrastructure industry.
The initiative was announced today (20 June) by Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce, and
Associate Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Tariana Turia.
The Southern Initiative Infrastructure Consortium Māori and Pasifika Trades Training is made up of Auckland Council,
major infrastructure employers in the Auckland region, iwi and community organisations, Industry Training Organisations
and tertiary education providers including the Open Polytechnic.
The Open Polytechnic is New Zealand’s specialist distance learning provider, and one of the country’s largest educators
of the current workforce.
Dr Seelig says the Open Polytechnic is excited to be part of the consortium.
“In this consortium our flexible distance learning delivery is supported by community providers and industry and is well
suited to young people wanting to enter the trades. They will gain practical experience in a supported environment and
be mentored while learning the theory through the Open Polytechnic”, says Dr Seelig.
“The range of education expertise, employment opportunities and learner support brought together through this
consortium will open up a range of exciting opportunities for Māori and Pasifika in the 18-34 year age group who are
interested in a career in infrastructure and associated trades.”
The contract for the Southern Initiative Infrastructure Consortium Māori and Pasifika Trades Training is for a three
year period and is being jointly funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the Tertiary
Education Commission.
Ends
About Open Polytechnic
The Open Polytechnic is New Zealand’s specialist provider of open and distance learning, enrolling over 34,000 part-time
students per year. The majority of students are adult learners combining work and study, making the Open Polytechnic one
of New Zealand’s major educators of people in the workforce.
Website: www.openpolytechnic.ac.nz