Higher education and training leaving age welcome

5 November 2007

MEDIA RELEASE

From: Institutes of Technology & Polytechnics of New Zealand
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Higher education and training leaving age supported

Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) support the Prime Minister’s proposal to increase the education and training leaving age.

“A higher education and training leaving age supports the community-wide message to young people that more investment in education will improve their long-term prospects. We encourage serious consideration of a leaving age of 18, with students required to be enrolled with an education provider or in structured training while working”, said Dave Guerin, ITP New Zealand Executive Director.

The proposed education and training leaving age of 17 will complement the school leaving age of 16. The will mean that 16 year olds will have a much wider choice beyond their school, and many will choose to enrol in ITPs.

“It is crucial that any leaving age above 16 gives students real choices, which will require funding changes. School students currently receive a free education, while most ITPs must charge compulsory fees to recover their costs. The government will have to consider the cost differentials when promoting the proposal to parents and students.”

ITP New Zealand represents 19 publicly-owned institutes of technology and polytechnics throughout New Zealand.

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