Working Together to Support Staff Affected by Redundancy

Working Together to Support Staff Affected by Redundancy

Aoraki Polytechnic and Summit Wool Spinners have joined forces to support redundant staff with an offer of free training in the career of their choice.

Aoraki Polytechnic’s acting chief executive Alex Cabrera says he recognises the difficulties faced by management and staff at Summit, and also the impact the redundancies will have on the wider Waitaki community.

“I offer my heartfelt sympathy and support to all those affected,” he says.

“Aoraki Polytechnic is offering free tuition to Summit Wool Spinners’ staff. Staff affected by redundancy may enrol in any course at Aoraki Polytechnic with no student fee.

“I believe collaboration between education and industry is the key to a growing economy. Aoraki courses are designed to lead to employment and students who graduate from Aoraki are in demand. Many of our 2012 graduates found jobs while studying or when they finished their study, particularly in the trades.

“I think this will be a good opportunity for Summit staff to re-launch their working life with a new career, and gain a new set of skills that are in demand. It also provides an opportunity to build on their existing skills.”

“Summit welcomes the support offered to their employees by Aoraki Polytechnic.

It’s a very generous offer to waive tuition fees and to offer courses in Oamaru so participants don’t need to travel to Timaru.

Many Summit employees are already highly skilled but the opportunity to take their skills to the next level or transfer their skills with some additional training, or totally re train, should be considered by employees especially in conjunction with the generous offer of no tuition fees, ” said Ricky Hammond Tooke, Finance Manager and Director of Summit Wool Spinners.

Details of the Offer
• The offer from Aoraki Polytechnic includes courses in both Oamaru and Timaru. There is a free bus service that runs daily from Oamaru to the Timaru campus at no cost to students.

• Students will not need to pay tuition fees, but may need to pay course-related costs, for example for materials.

• Aoraki Polytechnic has also offered free career advice and courses in CV writing, interview and presentation skills to Summit staff.

• Late enrolments for the 2013 academic year will be allowed up to one month past the course start date.

• Staff enrolling in courses should contact Studylink, as they may be eligible for loans and allowances.

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