Posted on 3 March 2020
A new Māori and Pasifika trades training consortium is an innovative blend of distance learning, community support, industry partners and employers says Open Polytechnic Chief Executive Dr Caroline Seelig.
The Southern Initiative Infrastructure Consortium Māori and Pasifika Trades Training is a south Auckland based initiative which will enable more young Māori and Pasifika to become qualified in trades associated with the infrastructure industry.
The initiative was announced today (20 June) by Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce, and Associate Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Tariana Turia.
The Southern Initiative Infrastructure Consortium Māori and Pasifika Trades Training is made up of Auckland Council, major infrastructure employers in the Auckland region, iwi and community organisations, Industry Training Organisations and tertiary education providers including the Open Polytechnic.
The Open Polytechnic is New Zealand’s specialist distance learning provider, and one of the country’s largest educators of the current workforce.
Dr Seelig says the Open Polytechnic is excited to be part of the consortium.
“In this consortium our flexible distance learning delivery is supported by community providers and industry and is well suited to young people wanting to enter the trades. They will gain practical experience in a supported environment and be mentored while learning the theory through the Open Polytechnic”, says Dr Seelig.
“The range of education expertise, employment opportunities and learner support brought together through this consortium will open up a range of exciting opportunities for Māori and Pasifika in the 18-34 year age group who are interested in a career in infrastructure and associated trades.”
The contract for the Southern Initiative Infrastructure Consortium Māori and Pasifika Trades Training is for a three year period and is being jointly funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the Tertiary Education Commission.