TEC launch - concrete commitment to 1/4 Million

TEC launch - concrete commitment to quarter million people in industry training

The launch of the Tertiary Education Commission saw a concrete commitment to a quarter million people in industry training by 2007.

“This is a laudable goal for the TEC and a very strong commitment to economic and social growth from the government”, said Darel Hall Executive Director of the Industry Training Federation.

The Associate Minister of Education (Tertiary Education) Steve Maharey stated ‘We will have record numbers of New Zealanders in industry training. More than a quarter of a million New Zealanders will be participating in industry training, treble the current number’.

This point was further emphasised by the Prime Minister who said ‘We will do everything in our power to match the potential and talents of New Zealanders up with the skills needed in the workforce . . this is a top priority for the government’.

The 250,000 target was endorsed by the NZCTU and Business New Zealand signalling the partnership effort in this area. Both organisations have key roles in achieving the target.

“There is still much work to be done to plan how we get to 250,000 people in industry training by 2007. Capability and infrastructure needs to be built and policy that impedes the goal needs to be amended. The Industry Training Federation will continue to present the evidence and advice from Industry Training Organisations to ensure public policy is steamlined and does not get in the way of the target. The 250,000 target is not easy; a lot of work needs to be done”.

"The TEC is a once in a generation challenge to make a strategic shift in education and training focused on the aspirations of New Zealand. The conceptual shift to Tertiary Education Organisations allows the 46 Industry Training Organisations access to new funding pools meaning greater and new collaborations with other TEOs as we skill New Zealand workplaces".

“ITOs are one part of an increasingly interconnected sector. The promise of a new day in tertiary education is a sector where all parts are tested and valued for what they demonstrably contribute. The launch of the TEC and the comments form those that spoke, clearly affirmed this principle”.

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