Lots to like about the NCEA opportunities

The Industry Training Federation is highly encouraged by NCEA review proposals, including strengthened literacy and numeracy, pathways opportunities, and a re-designed Record of Achievement.

"Young people will be better served from a qualification which includes exposure to real world possibilities, attests to genuine literacy and numeracy, and communicates clearly with the outside world about a young person's strengths and experiences" ITF Chief Executive Josh Williams says.

The ITF especially welcomes the proposal for more robust NCEA literacy and numeracy requirements. "Employers report what national and international studies have been showing - too many students navigate NCEA without the fundamental literacy and numeracy skills that underpin success in any sphere.

"This is a teaching issue, and not just about the NCEA years. But if NCEA is to mean anything, it has to mean this" Mr Williams says.

Pathways opportunities at Levels 2 and 3 will provide logistical challenges, but are vital and necessary. Thousands of students currently achieve NCEA credits through workplace experience programmes such as Gateway, 3+2, and foundation level industry standards through Industry Training Organisations. While this activity is already widespread, it is not systematic, and resources are highly fragmented.

"Pathways opportunities will forge stronger connections between schools and their local communities, develop employability, and improve careers advice. All students benefit from exposure to workplaces before they leave school, irrespective of academic ability and their next step beyond school" Mr Williams says.

The ITF also strongly supports transforming the Record of Achievement, since NCEA needs to support successful transitions and multiple pathways. "This is the main tool we give our young people to walk into the world, after their years of schooling. It needs to communicate strengths, skills, experiences and dispositions - so students can reap the benefits of their education"

"Overall, these proposals go a long way to achieving the potential of NCEA. We are looking forward to a community-led conversation about how the whole system gets around these opportunities." Mr Williams says.

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