ITF National Office
email: itofed@learning.co.nz

MEDIA RELEASE

Attention Education reporters
Embargoed until 1am, 20 July 2000

INDUSTRY TRAINING FEDERATION WELCOMES MODERN APPRENTICESHIP INITIATIVE

“Modern Apprenticeships will expand access to industry training and will build on existing training managed by Industry Training Organisations (ITOs),” said Martin Eadie, Chairperson of the Industry Training Federation.

The Industry Training Federation is part of the Modern Apprenticeship Reference Group set up by the Minister to work with Skill New Zealand to develop, pilot and implement the Modern Apprenticeship’s initiative.

“We have been working closely with the Minister, polytechnics, unions, employer organisations and private training enterprises to ensure that the Modern Apprenticeship’s initiative is a success,” said Mr Eadie.

The Modern Apprenticeship’s initiative is based on existing National Qualifications developed and maintained by ITOs to meet the current and emerging needs of enterprises.

Industry training is enjoying renewed interest and strong growth. This reflects industry’s confidence in ITOs and increased certainty about the National Qualifications Framework.

“In the eight years since the Industry Training Act, ITOs have tripled the numbers of people involved in structured industry training. Training numbers are at the highest level since 1925 – when records began.

“We are experiencing strong growth in industry training. As of June this year approximately 58 000 people were training, this is an increase of almost 20% from the same time last year,” said Mr Eadie

“We look forward to working with individual employers, unions, polytechnics and private training enterprises to increase the numbers of young people gaining skills,” said Mr Eadie.

ENDS

For further comment contact Martin Eadie on (025) 429 308

ITF National Office
Level 3, 15 Courtenay Place
PO Box 24 194
Wellington

Phone: (04) 801 9591
Fax: (04) 801 6412
Mobile: (021) 708 510

email: itofed@learning.co.nz

Key facts about Industry Training

 As at June 2000 there was approximately 58 000 people engaged in industry training. This is almost 20% up on June 1999.

 In 1999, the average age of all apprentices and trainees was 26.

 Most apprentices and trainees have little or no previous school qualifications and work in what, in the past, were referred to as low- or semi-skilled occupations.

 Industry training is subsidised by the Government through Skill New Zealand. Skill New Zealand contracts ITOs to develop training to meet current and emerging business needs.

 In 1998 (the most up to date figures), Government contributed $63 million and industry contributed approximately $103 million for industry training (both in cash and in kind).

 There are 50 ITOs, 40 of which access Government subsidies. ITOs are membership-based organisations – individual enterprises are the members of ITOs.

 ITOs do not deliver training. ITOs work with enterprises to develop on- and off-job training programmes. Training is delivered by the individual enterprise’s staff, often in association with Polytechnics and Private Training Enterprises.

 There are over 500 registered National Certificates covering approximately three-quarters of NZ’s industry. Since the passing of the Industry Training Act in 1992, training has extended to cover many industries that had no history of structured such as the seafood industry, building services (commercial cleaning), hospitality and sports and recreation. 60% of ITOs cover industry sectors that previously did not have access to structured industry training
Industry Training Federation

The Industry Training Federation is the national representative body for ITOs. Currently 41 ITOs are members of the Federation – this represents around 95% of the training purchased by Government.

The Industry Training Federation aspires to be the recognised voice for ITOs and for industry-based training by:

 working co-operatively with Government, Government agencies and other stakeholders to improve the policy for, and delivery of, industry training
 encouraging research on industry training and providing principled advocacy for industry training
 being the first point of call for information about industry training for our target audience(s).

The Industry Training Federation has a number of key partnerships including the following organisations:

 Association of Polytechnics New Zealand (APNZ)
 New Zealand Association of Private Education Providers (NZAPEP)
 Workbase (the national centre for workbased literacy and learning)
 Australian Vocational Education and Training Research Association (AVETRA)
 New Zealand Employers Federation (NZEF)
 Council of Trade Unions (CTU)

For further information

Paul Williams
Executive Director
PO Box 24 194
Level 3, 15 Courtenay Pl.
Wellington ph:
mobile
fax
email (04) 801 9591
(021) 708 510
(04) 801 6412
itofed@learning.co.nz

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