Conclusion
To achieve a strong and more prosperous Manawatū-Whanganui, our people need access to the training to enable their future success.
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Training needs to vary based on a range of factors including:
- current education level
- employer and industry
- geographic location
- personal demand.
Kaimahi and ākonga will not undergo training unless it is relevant, accessible and delivered in a way that meets their needs.
We have heard from industry that current training provision does not provide a clear pathway into the sector, particularly for freight, logistics and warehousing. Provision of qualifications that are bespoke, coupled with a clear career pathway up and through the sector, will enable both industry and ākonga to meet skills demand within their sector. Partnerships with training providers and industry are likely to be the catalyst for providing such qualifications.
The ‘traditional’ education models are no longer serving our ākonga well. They want the option to study on-the-job while earning, and our kaimahi are seeking recognition of their current skills before committing to longer qualifications. The options of micro-credentials are appealing for those seeking ‘bite-sized’ learning opportunities and to staircase to a formal qualification where possible. There is hesitancy from some employers to undergo accreditation for their in-house training, however a standardised approach will benefit kaimahi if/when they make career changes.
Manawatū-Whanganui is amidst a period of large private sector, local and central government investment. With large scale projects coming online such as Te Utanganui Central New Zealand Distribution Hub the Regional Skills Leadership Group (RSLG) expects training providers and employers to respond to the broad skill needs accordingly. There are many skilled kaimahi already in the rohe, and through additional training, recognition of current skills and strategic workforce planning, our people can be equipped for success in these areas.
The Manawatū-Whanganui RSLG continues to be an advocate for a range of tertiary education options in the rohe, while recognising that tertiary-level education may not be desired by all our people. Where there is a clear need for training to be developed and delivered in Manawatū-Whanganui, the RSLG hopes that the Tertiary Education Commission takes this advice into consideration when developing the Supplementary Plan Guidance for 2024.