World Leading Tertiary Education Legislation

New legislation introduced today will make New Zealand a world leader in tertiary education according to the Industry Training Federation (ITF).

The Tertiary Education Reform Bill amends the Education Act 1989 and creates a single agency, the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), with responsibility for the entire tertiary education system from level 1 National Certificates through to Doctorates and advanced research.

“This is true seamlessness. New Zealand is leading the world by breaking down the age-old division between so-called vocational and academic learning,” said Paul Williams, Executive Director of the Industry Training Federation (ITF).

The Bill also includes several amendments to the Industry Training Act 1992 including new provisions recognising the role of Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) as leaders in industry skill development.

“This amendment recognises the importance of workplace learning and builds on the successes of the last ten years. Participation in Industry Training has grown from less than 25,000 in the mid-90s to over 80,000 in 2001,” he said

“These changes will lead to increases in participation in Industry Training, will improve the interface between workplace learning and institution learning and will enable realisation of the Knowledge Economy vision” he said.

Other amendments to the Industry Training Act 1992 include provisions for voluntary industry training levies and for the representation of trainees/employees in ITO governance.

ENDS

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