Modern Apprenticeships and Gateway supported

Modern Apprenticeships and Gateway supported by Industry Training Federation

The Government announced a $56m plan to get young people into education, training and work today. A major component of the plan is the expansion of the Gateway and Modern Apprenticeships programmes. Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) are the co-ordinators for half of all Modern Apprenticeships.

"Modern Apprenticeships and Gateway are strongly supported by Industry Training Organisations", said Marilyn Brady Chairperson of the Industry Training Federation. "These are smart policy interventions that work for young people".

"For many young people the transition from school to work is problematic. This package of initiatives will reduce the number of people who slip through the gaps. It is essential that we provide these workplace learning opportunities for young people to contribute to a successful and innovative knowledge society," said Marilyn Brady.

In a March 2003 report the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development stated "In early 2003 we learnt that skills shortages are limiting the capacity of one-in-six New Zealand businesses, while one-in-ten young people are out of work or training" [1].

"Gateway allows young people to make career decisions based on real information from real workplaces. At the same time they gain credit towards nationally recognised industry qualifications. Modern Apprenticeships allow young people to succeed in the workplace and succeed in their learning - learning while earning is a desirable alternative for many young people", said Ms Brady.

© Scoop Media