2001 Conference - Rotorua

Employment Creation and Skill Development

Peter Conway
Economist
New Zealand Council of Trade Unions

Overview

80% of the workforce of 2010 is in today's workforce
employability is through life-long learning, skills in demand - and experience
knowledge is infinitely renewable - if we invest in it
Industry Training Review
TEAC Reports
linkages with Skill New Zealand and ITOs
group apprenticeship schemes
modern apprenticeships
role of Industry NZ
nexus of industry strategies, regional development and education and training infrastructure and delivery
human capital investment models
work permit issues
skill auditing
literacy and numeracy
strengthening transitional support systems
menu for SME skill development?
facilitate workplace experience
partnerships and inclusion
don't forget unions
Workplace Development Fund

tendency to focus on a more ?ite, highly educated group with specialist skills, rather than on skill development at every level.
failure to address the question of what sort of workplace is required to not only ensure that lifelong learning is a reality, but that knowledge is productively applied on a day-to-day basis.
but positive focus on the role of knowledge
compatible with triple bottom line, balanced scorecard, sustainable development approach

Canterbury Development Corporation Ltd.
their 10 year strategy sets out five high level goals - sustainable regional development and employment growth, high level international competitiveness, balanced regional development, world-class infrastructure and, social inclusion and opportunity.
objectives and action points arise from five region-wide themes - economy, education and skills, social, environmental and attitude.

development of partnerships between industry and secondary schools
investigate the provision of sector specific distance learning opportunities across the region via the Internet
expand the modern apprenticeships programme to cover all some regions and to cover wide skill and industry options
research future career opportunities and skill needs
develop a graduate career change programme to assist graduates gain appropriate workforce related skills
all science and maths teachers in the region secondary schools are given proficient training and industry tours
identified lead teachers are offered paid technology intern opportunities in companies during school holidays
roadshows developed for intermediate and secondary school pupils and parents that showcases future job opportunities and related skill needs
develop publications and use the internet showcase jobs in skills of the future
future job opportunities related skill needs are researched and presentation material prepared
database of role models and mentors who are willing to visit schools
develop a schedule of school presentations whereby prominent local businesses can share the success stories
strengthen the presence of the "Young Enterprise Scheme"
add value to school curriculum elements such as technology via site visits and school industry partnerships
make specialist employment related education and training available across the region through distant learning technologies