Tohutohu a Te Amorangi Mātauranga Matua | Tertiary Education Commission advice

We have a mandate to provide advice that reflects our region’s unique perspective on how tertiary education can meet future skills and workforce needs. This advice is based on local intelligence and the results of regional coordination. The advice produced is then used as part of the investment decision making process the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) undertakes.

In April 2023, we provided advice to the TEC to inform future investment decisions. This advice touched on the work underway with our regional partners to ensure a joined-up approach to training and noted engagement with a range of Workforce Development Councils (Waihanga Ara Rau, Toi Mai, Toitū te Waiora, Hanga-Aro-Rau and Muka Tangata) to share information and look at ways of better working together.

The advice included some key themes from our engagement and noted high level items covering:

• The need for an integrated South Island network approach to education provision acknowledging the interconnectedness of the system providers.
• The need for alternative learning models to provide pathways into sectors and opportunities for career growth and recognition of skills. We need to continue to build up this system and increase business uptake and supplier provision.
• The need to align industry demands for education provision with the supply of learners willing to enrol in courses (this involves assessing whether unmet sector demand is due to insufficient education provision or other factors).
• The need for the training system to be more responsive to change, particularly in industries where the skills and knowledge required to succeed is changing rapidly. Currently the system is too slow to change and adapt.
• The need for a better understanding within the region of what influences under and over supply of student enrolments. These insights can then inform investment.

In addition to this advice, we noted specific spotlight sectors that should be prioritised in terms of education provision. These sectors, including Construction, Digital Technologies, Healthcare, Manufacturing and the Primary Sector, are anticipated to experience high demand.

We also provided career-specific advice reinforcing the potential for a transformational shift in the existing careers provision for rangatahi and those individuals contemplating career change in Canterbury (and across New Zealand). We have engaged with Careers and Transition Education Association NZ Inc. (CATE), and we support recommendations and initiatives to:

1. Advocate for an environment that enables quality career education.

2. Develop opportunities for enhancing the skills and capability of career educators.

3. Ensure career education and guidance practice is cognisant of, and respects diversity.

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