News & Media
The infrastructure boost will be powered by skills
April 27, 2017
The government’s announcement of $11 Billion in capital infrastructure over the next four years needs to be underpinned by investment in skills and workplace training, says the Industry Training Federation.
"Today's announcement reflects ongoing confidence in a growing economy and will support jobs growth in many areas." ITF Chief Executive Josh Williams says.
"However, these are some of the same industries already facing major challenges recruiting enough skilled people to deliver the work".
Productivity Commission report deserves wider conversation
March 22, 2017
In light of the release of the Productivity Commission's final report, the Industry Training Federation seeks a broader and sector-led conversation for how tertiary education can be more responsive to the needs of the productive sector.
“The report is an impressive undertaking," says Industry Training Federation Chief Executive Josh Williams. "It's the first time in a long time that the whole system has been described in one place, warts and all."
Employability Skills Framework will help young people get and keep jobs.
February 28, 2017
A new education resource will help young people into successful working futures, says the Industry Training Federation.
The Employability Skills Framework, launched by the government today, describes the skills and competencies young people need to thrive in the world of work. It has been developed through a partnership of educators, industry training, community, and business representatives.
The framework will help students, employers and educators to be on "the same page" when it comes to employability.
Rising numbers of trainees and apprentices is excellent news.
December 07, 2016
The number of apprentices in New Zealand grew by 12 percent over the last two years, and completion rates for industry trainees and apprenticeships are also greatly improved.
“Work-based learning is on the rise, and that’s great news for all of us,” says Industry Training Federation Chief Executive, Josh Williams. “We now have over 42,000 apprentices in New Zealand, and a further 109,000 industry trainees across a huge range of industries gaining skills and qualifications on-the-job." Mr Williams says.
Apprenticeship boost is welcome and needed
November 09, 2016
The government’s commitment to invest a further $10 million into industry training and apprenticeships next year is a very welcome and wise investment, says the Industry Training Federation (ITF).
"Today's announcement will help to fuel growth and meet strong demand for workforce skills." ITF Chief Executive Josh Williams says.
Establishing a target of 50,000 apprentices by 2020 reflects both strong demand, and increased commitment by employers to boost the skills of the workforce through on-the-job training. It comes on top of a boost to apprenticeships in Budget 2016.
Media Release : Industry Training and Apprenticeships on the rise.
October 28, 2016
More working New Zealanders are gaining skills and qualifications on the job, earning while they learn, says the Industry Training Federation.
Our industry training and apprenticeship system is improving steadily, according to recently released Tertiary Education Commission 2015 performance reports. Programme completion rates in 2015 were 75 percent, up from 72 percent, and 2015 credit achievement rates were at 80 percent, up from 75 percent in 2014.
Skills-focused education critical to New Zealand’s future
October 18, 2016
Strengthening New Zealand’s skills and productivity will be in focus of the NZ Vocational Education and Training (VET) Research Forum in Wellington this week.
Researchers, educators, government officials and industry representatives with attend a two day event in Wellington, co-hosted by the Industry Training Federation and Ako Aotearoa, to discuss initiatives and evidence that support good-quality vocational and professional education.
Media Release: Vocational skills are valued and essential.
September 30, 2016
Media Release:
Vocational skills are valued and essential.
The Industry Training Federation (ITF) congratulates the hundreds of New Zealand secondary schools that have broadened senior curriculum through offering vocational pathways to senior students.
ITF also congratulates thousands of young kiwis that have boosted their future options by gaining practical skills for life and work as part of their NCEA qualifications.