Region to benefit from training
The number of people studying trades and vocational training could increase and courses could expand thanks to the Government’s spend on trade and apprenticeships training.
Palmerston North polytechnic UCOL is set to benefit from the Government fund, which will be available from July 1 and makes vocational training courses free in the next two years.
The scheme will help people who have lost jobs during the Covid-19 pandemic retrain and allow new employees in some essential services to train on the job.
UCOL’S chief of operations Linda Sissons said the package meant the institute could play an increased role in training more people into skilled jobs and supporting businesses after the pandemic.
Staff are going through the details to figure out how to work with industries, employers and government agencies in the region to identify employment and training gaps.
‘‘All initiatives must have strong employment outcomes and boost opportunities for our local people, including those whose jobs have been affected by the pandemic.
‘‘This package potentially givesmore people in our region the opportunity to train into jobs where there are skills shortages.’’
‘‘We are keen to develop new programmes in areas such as logistics, infrastructure and transport, plumbing, and gas fitting, for example.’’
Sissons said early figures indicated the polytechnic sector could experience short-termgrowth in the next two years, which UCOL was committed to sustaining in Manawatu¯, Whanganui and Wairarapa.
‘‘The offer of no-fees and fees-free trades training will enable people who may be considering changing jobs to gain new skills and study at an institution like UCOL, that is known for its quality teaching and strong student support.
‘‘This package gives UCOL the potential to increase capacity and broaden programmes tomeet the needs of regional industries.’’
Training could be done on the job, online and face to face over varying lengths of time.
An example was boosting the labour force for work on the Manawatu¯ Gorge replacement road.
‘‘Expected benefits to the region include more skilled people available, more employment, and a reduction in regional unemployment.’’
Horowhenua Learning Centre chief executive Patrick Rennell said the package was positive for the Levinbased institution and for the region.
The funding should benefit courses such as the centre’s trade programme, which started this year as an apprenticeship pathway and has about 15 learners of various ages.
‘‘Vocational training and getting people into vocational career is going to be such an important part of our economic recovery.
‘‘This funding allows us to expand into other areas.
‘‘Horticulture is one of them in our area that’s pretty important. It will just give local youth in particular an opportunity and a pathway.’’