100,000 Learners In Industry Training

MEDIA RELEASE

100,000 learners in Industry Training

7 December 2004

Information released by the Tertiary Education Commission shows there are over 100,000 people in Industry Training today. This compares to 117,000 in universities, 91,000 in Polytechnics, 41,000 in Wananga and 29,000 in PTEs[1].

"The latest data shows that Industry Training growth continues towards the target of 250,000 in Industry Training during 2007", said Darel Hall Executive Director of the Industry Training Federation.

The data to September 2004 shows just under 99,000 industry trainees and a growth rate of 3,500 in the last two quarters. With a set funding path, the ITF can confidently say there are over 100,000 people in Industry Training today.

"This is 100,000 learners building their skills, the productivity of their businesses, and building their incomes".

"The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research report released in November shows that on average, a learner after industry training is likely to be 5% -20% more productive than they would otherwise have been".

Industry trainees are likely to be at the high end of the 5% - 20% range because of their lower skills/ qualification level prior to training (ie they learn more), and the formal qualifications gained through Industry Training.

"The research uses the normal practice of using wage effects to measure productivity gains, so those increases are what goes into workers' pockets", Darel Hall said.

ENDS

[1] Domestic students as at 31 July 2003, source: Ministry of Education.

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