Vocational Pathways will help grow New Zealand

The Skills Organisation: Vocational Pathways will help grow New Zealand

Government’s new training initiative will help a crucial sector of the economy

The Skills Organisation CEO Garry Fissenden says the Government’s Vocational Pathways, an initiative the ITO spent two years helping develop, creates a platform for future economic growth in New Zealand.

Launched today by Ministers Steven Joyce and Hekia Parata, Vocational Pathways will be introduced across New Zealand secondary schools next year. Vocational Pathways is unique in that it utilises the existing NCEA system in a way that provides broad vocational and academic pathways for secondary school students at NCEA Level 2 that are recognised and valued by employers.

The Vocational Pathways publications cover five industry sectors, including Construction and Infrastructure; Manufacture and Technology; Primary Industries; Services Industries; Social and Community Services.

The Skills Organisation was part of a sector working group that established the manufacturing and technology pathway.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, information technology (software, electronics and telecommunications) is among the fastest growing export areas for New Zealand, totalling an estimated $NZ1.5bn last year.

New Zealand’s top 100 high-tech companies, which employ a total of more than 28,800 staff, globally increased staff numbers by 5.2% during 2012, but many highlighted the struggle to recruit people with specialist IT skills.

“It’s hugely positive to see the education system being aligned with the needs of the economy and New Zealand society,” Fissenden said.

“Under Vocational Pathways, these industries gain access to young people who previously may not have been identified - and the students understand exactly how and where their achievement and development will be valued in the workplace.”

Industry involvement meant Vocational Pathways were relevant, a major factor in retaining the interest of secondary school students.

“It’s important young people are able to see their learning will lead somewhere - and Vocational Pathways demonstrates a “real world” perspective,” Fissenden said.

“The bulk of these students are 16-17 years old, and this is a crucial time in their lives for them to make good, well-informed decisions regarding their future.”

Fissenden described the initiative as a “win/win” for students, employers and the New Zealand economy.

As other pathways outside the five core competencies will be considered in future, Fissenden said The Skills Organisation was looking forward to assisting a variety of other students and industries in 2013 and beyond.

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