Additional Funding "Significant Vote Of Support"
ITF National Office
email: itofed@learning.co.nz
MEDIA
RELEASE
(For Immediate Release – Attention Education
Reporters)
ADDITIONAL FUNDING “SIGNIFICANT VOTE OF SUPPORT”
“The Minister’s announcement today that the Government will fund growth in the ITO sector is a significant and welcomed vote of support,” said Martin Eadie, Chair of the Industry Training Federation.
The Minister today announced that he has reprioritised some funding to meet over-achievement in the ITO sector for the first half of 2000.
Trainees numbers have significantly exceeded Skill New Zealand targets for the first quarter of 2000 and this growth is expected to continue for the rest of the year.
“Many ITOs have exceeded their first and second quarter targets already, and some ITOs are close to meeting their year-end target after only five months,” said Mr Eadie.
The Minister made the funding announcement at the Printing and Allied Industries Council (PAITC) apprenticeship awards function in Wellington this afternoon. At the ceremony, the top ten apprentices were given awards recognising their achievements. PAITC currently has 400 apprentices in training.
The growth in trainee numbers reflects a growing commitment by industry to industry training.
“There’s been too much un-certainty over the last few years. Doubt about the Qualifications Framework and NZQA, and even about the prospects of ITOs. This growth reflects a growing confidence in industry training and ITOs,” said Mr Eadie.
ENDS
For further comment contact Martin Eadie on (025) 429 308