PTEs are 'more responsive to needs of industry'

17 April 2006

PTEs are 'more responsive to needs of industry': need equitable regulation

New Ministry of Education research, finding that private training establishments (PTEs) are more responsive to industry needs than public tertiary institutions, highlights the national interest in their having equitable public funding and regulation, says Education Forum spokesman Norman LaRocque.

The ministry report says industry groups found PTEs to have "a greater service-like attitude towards industry that manifested itself as 'you're the mountain and we'll come to you.'" (see page 49 of the report for this and many other quotes, link below)

In contrast, polytechnics and institutes of technology were described as showing a lack of flexibility and being unable to provide new training within the timeframes demanded by industry.

Mr LaRocque said the report showed how important it was that Dr Cullen's impending tertiary education changes recognised the valuable role PTEs had in providing opportunity to New Zealanders and employers with skilled workers.

"It is imperative that Dr Cullen's proposed changes move New Zealand toward a more responsive and more equitable regulatory and funding framework than currently exists."

The Ministry of Education report, 'Engagement of key stakeholder groups with the tertiary education providers', is at http://educationcounts.edcentre.govt.nz/publications/downloads/research-st akeholders.pdf (see page 49)

ENDS

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