Confused minister announces privatisation plans.

Te Hautū Kahurangi | Tertiary Education Union is appalled by today’s announcement by the National-led government that will cripple polytechnics in favour of for-profit private providers making money from Aotearoa’s apprentices, trainees and employers.

Vocational Education Minister Penny Simonds has said “the Government is making changes to work-based learning so that industries have more influence over how they train apprentices and trainees.”

But Te Pou Ahurei | National Secretary Sandra Grey says, “as we have repeatedly warned, the government is creating a privatised, fragmented system that will further destabilise public tertiary education.”

“The minister’s plan encourages industry to set up Private Training Establishments to compete for students. Nobody has been calling for private providers. This is an ideological move from an extreme government.”

“The existing system already includes a strong industry voice. We are unsure what new edge this massive upheaval will provide for anyone.”

“Te Pūkenga divisions are going to be trusted to take new apprentices and trainees but the ones they currently care for and teach are going to be ripped away from them in a messy transition. Current apprentices and trainees will be uprooted midway through their learning journey. This isn’t good for them or the employers they work for.”

“At a time when resources are extremely limited, we should be focussed on collaboration not duplicating and fragmenting a desperately needed sector delivering the work skills Aotearoa needs.”