ITPNZ has confirmed that many Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) are reporting large jumps in enrolment numbers, putting them close to the TEC’s 103% student number cap.

“[Enrolment at] Waiāriki Institute of Technology is 53% up at its Taupo campus, while Otago Polytechnic is seeing strong demand in courses on the Department of Labour’s skills shortages list, ” says ITPNZ Executive Director, Dave Guerin,

The Tertiary Education Commission is scheduled to receive official 2009 statistics on institution enrolments tomorrow (15 May). ITPNZ plans to release survey results shortly thereafter, which will “paint a national picture of this year’s enrolment trends.”

Mr Guerin says complicated TEC requirements and the threat of sanctions for over-enrolment are restricting ITPs’ responsiveness to student, industry, and community demand.

TEU president, Dr Tom Ryan, says the government now faces a dilemma with its upcoming budget:

“There’s no doubt that we need to increase funding in the ITP sector to help many hard working New Zealanders who are trying to find a way through the recession. The current EFTS cap is not meeting the sector’s needs at present. However, a simple return to the old competitive ‘bums on seats’ model is not the solution either. ”

“Students are enrolling not just to shelter from the storm, but for an education and future employment. These institutions need more staff, with more time to focus on teaching and learning. It’s urgent that we invest in the people who keep our polytechnic and institute of technology running. ” Dr Ryan concluded.