News & Media
We're looking forward to the education conversation
February 21, 2018
The Industry Training Federation welcomes the government's three-year work programme for education announced today, and looks forward to engaging with the government in its wide-ranging summit process.
Industries rely on the education system delivering the skills and adaptability that people will need to thrive in a changing world of work, no matter which pathway through the system they follow.
Good start, but more work required for work-based learners.
December 05, 2017
The Industry Training Federation (ITF) welcomes today's details on fees-free tertiary education eligibility, but is disappointed by restrictions that suggest few trainees and apprentices will still be eligible for support by the time they become a trainee or apprentice.
"The government saves enormously every time it invests in an industry trainee." ITF Chief Executive Josh Williams says. "Fees are lower, subsidies are much lower, the skills are matched to industry needs, and the students are economically active, paying tax rather than drawing on student support."
Apprentices are better off than graduates for most of their lives
December 02, 2017
New research by Berl is questioning the widely held belief that a university education leads to a more successful career for a school-leaver than an apprenticeship - Apprentices are financially better off than university graduates throughout most of their careers.
“Apprentices contribute to the economy earlier, earn earlier, buy a house earlier and contribute to KiwiSaver earlier, and pay off their mortgage earlier” says Industry Training Federation Chief Executive Josh Williams who commissioned the research.
Support for employers will help boost apprentices and deliver skills
October 19, 2017
Boosting apprentices and improving support for employers who take on apprentices will be top of our list to discuss with the new Labour-led coalition government, says the Industry Training Federation.
"We welcome the new Government, and we look forward to working together to help grow New Zealand’s skilled workforce," says ITF Chief Executive, Josh Williams. "The Industry Training and Apprenticeships sector is in a good place and workplace learning is stronger than ever."
Report highlights opportunities for Pacific learner success
October 02, 2017
Careerforce, Skills, ServiceIQ, Competenz
Pacific learners engaged in workplace training have the best chance of success when they are part of a supportive team learning environment, new research shows.
A Pacific Perspective: Careerforce chats to Christina Taefu, 2017 Pasifika Trainee of the Year.
October 02, 2017
A Pacific Perspective: Careerforce’s 2017 Pasifika Trainee of the Year Christina Taefu shares her thoughts on workplace training challenges and opportunities for New Zealand’s Pacific Communities.
Christina Taefu, Careerforce’s 2017 Pasifika Trainee of the Year
A new research report, Pacific Learner Success in Workplace Settings, shows that a little help from their friends, coupled with a supportive employer and a good relationship with their training facilitator, goes a long way to ensuring successful learning outcomes for Pacific trainees.
Mike Styles receives the 2017 Adult Literacy and Numeracy Leadership Award
September 08, 2017
The Industry Training Federation and the Skills Highway team is delighted to congratulate Mike Styles on receiving the 2017 Adult Literacy and Numeracy Leadership Award, awarded by the National Centre of Literacy and Numeracy for Adults.
Mike Styles is the Primary ITO’s National Literacy and Numeracy Adviser, and the award recognises his untiring work in bringing dyslexia to the fore as an important issue for the tertiary education sector and the workplace.
If a PM's Award encourages more apprenticeships, think of the savings.
September 05, 2017
The Labour Party's proposal to create a $2,000 Prime Minister's award is an encouraging signal, since every trainee and apprentice will save the taxpayer much more than that, says the Industry Training Federation.
Labour has announced that one student per public school per year could receive a $2,000 Prime Minister’s Vocational Excellence Award.
Free education is not just about university
August 29, 2017
The Labour Party has recognised that post-school education is broader than just university, by including apprenticeships and work-based training in today's commitment to reduce the cost of post-school study.
"Both major parties agree we need more workplace learning and apprenticeships, to support lifetime learning, and keep up with changes in technology and skill demands," says ITF Chief Executive Josh Williams.
Only three out of 10 school leavers enrol in degree-level education, but tertiary education announcements almost always focus on this group.