Collaborative approach to vocationational education

Learners to benefit from collaborative approach to vocational education

Tuesday, 4 December 2012

Maximising learning opportunities and reducing barriers to success are key objectives in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between The Skills Organisation and the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand.

The two organisations have been working together since 1992, with the relationship being further consolidated when The Skills Organisation assumed coverage of the public sector - who already had a strategic working relationship with Open Polytechnic.

The MOU will focus on the existing strengths and collaborative activities of the two organisations. One area of focus will be the development of pathways to higher-level qualifications, including the development by Open Polytechnic of business degree majors in areas of relevance for The Skills Organisation. Another focus is the further expansion of training provision – where the organisations will explore ways Open Polytechnic might enhance its support for The Skills Organisation in public sector and wider areas of training provision.

Open Polytechnic Chief Executive Caroline Seelig said her organisation is looking to broaden and deepen its relationships with ITO partners.

“We’re focusing on innovative ways of adding value for employees and industry through collaboration with ITOs and our MoU with The Skills Organisation is an excellent example of that process in action.”

“With industries looking to offer employees a wider range of qualifications at different levels we want to make sure they have every opportunity to do this,” says Garry Fissenden, Chief Executive of The Skills Organisation. “Open Polytechnic has the expertise and infrastructure that can provide a range of benefits for our learners across a number of our industries.”

Open Polytechnic will also become The Skills Organisation’s preferred provider for distance learning services where The Skills Organisation purchases this form of delivery for off-job training.

ENDS

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