The Vocational Education and Training (VET) Research Forum has been reinstated and runs today and tomorrow at Te Papa (the national museum) in Wellington.
The Forum is opened with karakia and mihi from Building and Construction ITO (BCITO).
Josh Williams (who MCed the event) welcomed the conference participants and ran through housekeeping and health-safety along with a ice-breaking session and a introduction to the conference, its purposes and the journey following, including that the system has always centred around people.
Jane Kennelly, Director of People, marketing and stakeholder management at the Skills Group undertook the formal welcome and introduced the Minister. She celebrates the coming back of the forum after five years and summarises the many advantage afforded by undertaking research and its application to practice.
The first keynote is with the Honourable Penny Simmons, Minister of Vocational Education. Presented a positive approach to the future of VET in NZ. Reiterated the importance of strong pathways from school, both into VET and higher education. Supported that partnerships across the many players in the system and that these need to be well-connected. Regional challenges for youth unemployment needs to be focused on, apprenticeship completions need to be increased (from under 50%) and also strong alignment with industry important, Centralisation does not meet regional and industry needs. Therefore, the shift away from it will ensure better future progress. Reiterated the changes being undertaken to reinstitute polytechnics, and establish Industry Standards Boards (ISBs). This puts decision making back to the regions. Industry driven, locally led and regionally informed. $20 million in 2026 and 2027 to ensure that access to VET continues, especially in regions with high NEETs. Research needs to be relevant, application and informed by industry. Time for Q & A. Research funding possible through the new 'PBRF' (perhaps 9 million) and through ISBs (being worked through). Financial stability across the sector key to moving VET forward.
Following on is a keynote with Katryn Rowan (Executive Director) for the Global Apprenticeship Network (GAN). Strengthening connections between youth and employer - Tomorrow's future-ready workforce. Summarised the vision and mission of GAN - to champion quality apprenticeships as a key driver for workforce development, social mobility and economic growth. Has been advancing apprenticeships for 10 years with 10 networks around the world along with key corporate members and partnerships with ILO, OECD, IOE etc. Presented on the rationale for GAN - too many young people leave school without clear paths, persistent bias towards university, employers struggle to find skilled talent and apprenticeships help increase inclusion, social justice and growth. NZ snapshot as someone coming in from the outside. NZ ranks 3rd in OECD in field of study mismatch. 30% of school leavers go to university. 60% lack a structured post-school pathways. Performance focused on course completions more than career outcomes. Upcoming NZ 'industry-led' secondary subject is a positive move. Then overviewed the international global challenge. 13% of youth employment (x 3.5 of adults); 261 million NEETs; 75% of employers report difficulty filling roles; 63% say skill gaps are a major barrier to growth; and 39% of skills will change by 2030.
Shared that the consensus of the way forward to be the benefits to individuals and companies of work-based learning, clearer pathways and VET. ROI of apprenticeships proven across many case studies. Partnerships are important. Private sector/ businesses crucial. They see emerging skills first; provide real-world 'classrooms'; and bring structure and innovation. Advocated for a 'skills-first' focus, not just on qualifications. Shared the GAN corporate champions for apprentices (CCA) who are companies committed to supporting quality apprenticeships. Shared case studies from L'Oreal, Nestlē and Tassaroli S. A. in Mendoza. Key items include shared curriculum and involvement of key /crucial stakeholders for skills design and forecasting, shared training assets, flexible and targeted WBL, career guidance and early exposure to choices, SME engagement, data and governance. Vision, collaboration and results help provide direction going forward.
After morning tea, a series of sessions organised into two streams.
Dr. Gemma Piercy from University of Waikato on 'where to next for lifelong learning in Aotearoa NZ'. Asked what has happened to the term and practice of lifelong learning? Is the policy focus on front-end education investment a barrier to lifelong learning? Lifelong learning - orientation to learn over the lifetime, acknowledging portfolio careers requiring continued learning.
NZers have increased completion of qualifications, with small sector of population with no qualifications (2023 - 12%). Lifelong learning became important through 1990s with 1/3 of workforce with no qualifications. Industry training increased. Tertiary sector - student loans, skills training tied to completions etc. Do we still depend on the market model - as this may no longer be fit for purpose. 2000's pivot towards 'front-end' loading with state support for short qualifications. 2010's tightened eligibility/ incentives. E.g. no student allowances/ loans to older NZers, late-life transitions harder to fund.
Lifelong learning still needed due to rapid tech change, second/third chance need rising, capacity gaps in current policy levers, literacy issues identified amongst school age students before Covid, increase in precarious work and portfolios careers remain. What is the right mix between 'front-end' and balanced systems. There is a need to design policy for continuous upskilling and transition. Proposed restoration of genuine lifelong access.
Then Camilla Karenhana from Ringa Ora on their project ' Tirohia ki tua - the impact of Māori in the service sector. Told the story of growing up through various economic changes and how this connects with the work being undertaken. In the community services sector, important to understand the impacts economic consequences on communities and individuals. Deficit view needs to be flipped. The ecosystem of how they work is through building relationships. Historical issues of mistrust need to be worked through before progress can be made. Relationships need to be genuine, build on trusts and not just on outcomes. Wānanga take place which are to listen, be open, identify what can be done, and be about them. Tuia was to connect Māori across industries.
Went through the resource (Tuia 2025) developed and how this can be utilised.
Lunch followed to recharge after a busy morning :) Good to be back with kindred spirits.
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