Value and relevance needed in tertiary sector

Media release
4 April 2006

Value and relevance needed in tertiary sector

Business NZ has welcomed the Government's commitment to getting more value and relevance from the tertiary education sector, but warns of the need to avoid central planning and more bureaucracy.

Chief Executive Phil O'Reilly says advocacy efforts by business groups have stressed the need for fewer low-value, low-relevance courses and more focus on the skills needed by enterprise.

"The direction signaled by Tertiary Education Minister Michael Cullen today appears positive with regard to increasing the output of relevant business skills.

"However this must be achieved without an increase in central control or bureaucracy.

"The proposed funding system's focus on outcomes rather than inputs is also welcome, as that will be better aligned with the way most businesses work.

"It will be important to safeguard competition in the tertiary sector, and not to counteract the strengths provided by industry training organisations, private training enterprises and other organisations working productively in the current environment.

"Business NZ looks forward to working with the Government over the next two months as it fleshes out and refines its proposals in this area."

ENDS

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