Jacinda Ardern
List MP based in Auckland Central
Small Business Spokesperson
MEDIA STATEMENT

8 November 2016

New survey shows small business would benefit from 3 years free training

A new survey which says 44 per cent of small businesses don’t think the education system gives graduates the skills their business needs shows the positive impact Labour’s three years free training policy would have on our economy, says Labour’s small business spokesperson Jacinda Ardern.

“Right now, too many businesses are struggling to find the skilled workers they need.

“MYOB’s Business Monitor survey found that 44 per cent of small businesses say the education system is not giving graduates the right skills for their business.

“Labour understands that education doesn’t stop once people leave high school and ensuring businesses can find staff with the right skill set is crucial.

“That’s why we’ve announced three years of free training or education, available across a person’s working life. That will make it so much easier for people to train and retrain, and for small business to find the skilled staff they need.

“We’ve also announced plans to improve careers advice in high schools so that young people are given a better steer on decisions about how future training can lead them into the job market. We’ll also get more of the 74,000 young people who are not in work or education skilled up with our Ready for Work plan.

“The survey also found a real need for Labour’s entrepreneurial grants to support young innovators to learn how to run a business. Just 16 per cent of small business owners believe our education system gives young people the skills they need to be entrepreneurs. Labour will give young people with a great business idea a grant to pursue it, and support from a mentor to teach them the skills they need.

“Labour’s positive plan to support our young people to get the skills they need will make a real difference to small businesses,” says Jacinda Ardern.

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