Tā Mātau kupu Whakamāherehere ki Te Amorangi Mātauranga Matua (TEC) | Our Advice to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC)
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In April 2023, the RSLG provided tertiary specific and career specific advice to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) incorporating extensive regional labour market analysis.
The tertiary-specific advice was grouped by the following themes:
Skills Shortages and Development
Addressing specific skills shortages across the region, and resourcing effective provision of NCEA pre-entry requirements including basic literacy and numeracy, and English as a second language (ESOL).
Equity of Access
Ensure no one is left behind – consider wider barriers to access that may inhibit or exclude learners from obtaining prerequisites for qualifications and reduce where possible (such as learning differences, geographic constraints, documentation requirements).
Supporting Regional Strengths and Delivery of Programmes and Initiatives to support local programme planning taking place with stakeholders and partners.
Qualification and Vocational Provision
Enable provision and accessibility of relevant aquaculture and energy qualifications for Murihiku-based students, either via supported attendance at institutions outside the region, or through Murihiku-based provision.
Ensure learning remains connected, even if delivered through a series of smaller qualifications.
Support delivery of accessible, fit-for-purpose micro-credentials for entrepreneurial/ business development practices as a lead into business support/incubator initiatives, and to support existing business owners wanting to expand their knowledge and skills.
Support provision of a Level 2 qualification in Aged Care support and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), to enable basic skills provision and enhance labour market capability. Connected to Welcoming Communities initiatives to maximise participation and relevance.
Enable Murihiku delivery of the new Computerised Numerical Control (CNC) qualification under development through Hanga-Aro-Rau.
Enable Murihiku delivery of the Trade Assistant qualification under development with Hanga-Aro-Rau and Waihanga Ara Rau.
Work-based Learning (WBL)
Embed experiential learning within curriculum as a supported educational opportunity, including through non-Gateway delivery models reflecting community/regional needs, specialisms, and networks.
Strengthen support mechanisms for WBL delivery by equipping businesses/employers to enable/manage workplace learning requirements i.e., access to relevant qualifications.
The career-specific advice recommended Murihiku’s careers system provision should:
Ensure no one is left behind through the development of clear, connected and accessible pathways that support rakatahi and enable their aspirations.
Continue to ensure the youth voice is included in careers system advice, so that the system meets the needs of the primary user.
Include future-focused industry options (e.g., aquaculture and hydrogen) as part of in-school teaching and career discussions to encourage interest in emerging industries, and support regional retention.
Include a specific focus on the needs of rakatahi Māori, to encourage career entry into higher pay, higher skilled roles, and into traditionally under-represented professions e.g., healthcare.
Introduce and support industry/education partnerships as a pathway into careers and vocational education, and to encourage in-school retention. Include industry leader’s voice in the careers system to challenge workplace perceptions, actively foster positive industry/education partnerships, and vocational education design and assessment.
Support careers awareness and the need for soft/employability skills by embedding across all stages of a young person’s education (i.e., not just towards the end of secondary school education).
Continue to collaborate specifically with secondary school education providers in the development and implementation of careers system-specific advice.