ITPs Keen to Flesh Out Skills Strategy

MEDIA RELEASE

29 April 2008
Institutes of Technology & Polytechnics of New Zealand

ITPs Keen to Flesh Out Skills Strategy

Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) are looking forward to filling in some of the gaps in the draft Skills Strategy released today. The Skills Strategy has been developed by the Government, the CTU, Business NZ and the Industry Training Federation.

“The report’s authors have done a good job in setting out how to improve and support the demand for skills in New Zealand, such as through identifying industry needs and providing career advice for young people,” said Dave Guerin, ITP New Zealand Executive Director.

“The supply side of the report – how skills can be developed – has not been developed in detail yet. ITPs are dedicated to applied professional and vocational education and are keen to build on the good work done so far, by contributing ideas for how the skill needs of employers and employees can be better met in future.”

“Meeting skill needs will require developments by ITPs, but may also require adjustments to government policy settings. More flexibility around short awards and providing firm-specific training would help ITPs to support skill needs.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media