Prabhat Chand - Unitec.

I am an automotive engineer with more than 30 years’ experience in vocational education and training. The past 20 years I have been a TEU member and a senior academic staff member and academic leader at Unitec. I am a staunch unionist having a strong desire to represent the best interests of all TEU members and this is fortified by my many years of experience in dealing with the many highs and lows in vocational education.

I am currently the vice -president of Unitec TEU branch and in my more than two years in this role I have represented the interests of many of my colleague in discussions, negotiations, and disputes with employers. I have always advocated to improve wages, working conditions, and workplace safety for our members.

I have been following developments in RoVE with a keen interest and concern. I have been very vocal on RoVE proposals that I feel could jeopardize the quality of trades education in this country. I have made many submissions in in relation to NZQA, WDC, Te Pūkenga and the TEC unified funding model. Over the coming years it will be extremely important to keep a wary eye on RoVE and there are bound to be more changes that we need to continually respond to. We are now all aware of the current state of Te Pūkenga. Trade’s education is at a crossroads in this country, and I believe we need a strong team within the TEU to vigorously promote the voice of educators, challenge the government on the lack of funding towards the vocational education sector, strive for better working conditions, and oppose any further job cuts.

I am passionate about contributing at the national level as a member of our union and being an ITP Academic Staff Representative on the Industrial and Professional Committee would allow me to do this. I have the practical knowledge, understanding of our members and students, and experience in the sector to really deliver the goods here, and I will bring tremendous focus to this position. Ultimately however, I want my work, and not my words, to speak for me.

I thank you for your consideration of my candidacy and look forward to your support.