Industry training at forefront of leadership

Industry training at forefront of skills leadership

Over 270 people, from all parts of the tertiary education sector, will meet in Wellington tomorrow for the opening of the annual Industry Training Federation Conference. Representatives from Industry Training Organisations (ITOs), tertiary providers, employer organisations, government departments and Australian Industry Skills Councils are meeting over two days (26 and 27 July) to discuss industry skills leadership and workplace productivity.

“Leading and Learning”, the theme of the Conference, refers to the responsibility that the 40 ITOs have for providing leadership within their industries on skills-related matters. ITOs have been performing this role since their establishment in 1992.

This year’s Budget marked the first allocation of Government funding to support ITOs’ leadership role on behalf of their industries. “While this recognition is welcome, ITOs have already signaled that the $4.5 million per year the Government plans to invest won’t be enough to get the full value possible from the capability and knowledge ITOs have through their relationships with industry”, said Jeremy Baker, Executive Director of the Industry Training Federation.

“The conference is an opportunity for ITOs and the wider tertiary education sector to signal their demand for industry skills information, and identify any shortfall anticipated given the current Government funding available for ITOs to do their job”, added Mr Baker.

The conference programme includes a strong line up of presenters from government, education and industry backgrounds. “Building on previous years, the 2007 conference will encourage a high level of well-informed and strategic debate between tertiary education and industry representatives.

Strong relationships between ITOs and industry is one of the key strengths of the industry training system,” said Mr Baker.

ENDS

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