Posted on 22 May 2020
Tai Poutini Polytechnic’s (TPP’s) latest partnership with The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand Ltd is bringing more education and training options to the West Coast.
A recent agreement between the two institutes will see Tai Poutini Polytechnic Ltd offer a tailored version of four Open Polytechnic programmes on the West Coast – the NZ Certificate in Business (Administration & Technology) (Level 3), NZ Certificate in Business (First Line Management) (Level 4), NZ Certificate in Business (Small Business) (Level 4) and the NZ Certificate in Exercise (Level 4).
TPP Leader Engagement Mequa Hourston says the institute has been looking to broaden the training options available on the West Coast for some time, by pursuing partnerships with other providers.
“With the establishment of the NZ Institute of Skills and Technology, the concept of building partnerships to offer more training options locally has become easier than before. By working with other providers around the country, we’re able to offer West Coasters a greater range of training options with different learning and delivery choices that work for learners.
“We’re starting by targeting the training areas that address the employment needs of local businesses and the community and we’ll be looking at more areas in the future.
“We have the opportunity to offer any Open Polytechnic programmes at TPP. These will be supported by TPP student support, and students will have access to our TPP campus and the facilities such as computer suites and library.
TPP is also exploring the use of the Open Polytechnic’s online learning platform (iQualify) to make national programmes work for West Coast learners and to create new online and blended learning programmes.
“TPP staff will also have the opportunity to undertake professional development using iQualify, building their knowledge in Mātauranga Māori and skills in teaching and learning.”
Open Polytechnic Chief Executive, Dr Caroline Seelig, says the organisation is pleased to be working with TPP. “Open Polytechnic has the largest specialist courseware development team in New Zealand, who are experts at creating engaging learning content that can be adapted for online or blended delivery. We’re excited to be working with TPP so they can expand the range of training programmes available on the West Coast