Investment in training for BEST Pacific Institute

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Budget 2011: BEST Pacific Institute of Education welcomes investment in training

BEST Pacific Institute of Education welcomes the Government's announcement of up to 750 additional places for Private Training Establishments.

"We are pleased to see the Government's support to those private providers who are meeting the Government's tertiary priorities" said Anita Finnigan, Director of BEST.

BEST delivers a range of education and training to young people, Pasifika and Maori throughout Auckland, and has consistently achieved excellent educational outcomes in terms of course and qualification completion rates and student retention.

"BEST has a long history of achieving the Government's tertiary priorities, and we are grateful that the Minister is recognising good providers," said Ms Finnigan.

BEST also congratulates the Government on a significant increase in support to Youth Guarantee which promotes education and employment outcomes for young people.

"We see the most enormous transformation in students who come to BEST under Youth Guarantee. Those students arrive with literacy and numeracy challenges, and leave with qualifications at Level 3, able to progress their aspirations for rewarding and valuable careers," said Ms Finnigan.

"I cannot see a better way for the Government to use its precious education dollars than putting them into youth, to facilitate smooth transitions into the work force and to higher education."

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