Workplace Learning Now Part Of Tertiary Education

Workplace Learning Now Part Of Tertiary Education System

New legislation amending the Industry Training Act recognises Industry Training as a valued and integral tertiary education pathway according to Paul Williams, Executive Director of the Industry Training Federation (ITF).

“This is a major advance for Industry Training and sets the scene for a more responsive and strategic tertiary education system,” said Mr Williams.

The Bill establishes a new Tertiary Education Commission and dis-establishes Skill New Zealand.

“The ITF strongly supports the establishment of a single agency with responsibility for the entire tertiary education system – the sooner we realise the potential of the workplace as a learning environment, the better,” he said.

The Bill includes a number of important amendments to the role of Industry Training Organisations (ITOs).

“New requirements for ITOs to ‘provide leadership’ within industry on skills and training needs build on the successes of the last ten years and recognise ITOs experience and expertise,” said Mr Williams.

The new Bill also enables ITOs to ballot industry to test their support for a training levy.

“Because the Bill establishes a voluntary system and it is not clear how many enterprises support Industry Training levies, it’s hard to tell whether many ITOs will use the new levy system,” he said.

ENDS

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