Warning over NZ training needs

By IRENE CHAPPLE

The New Zealand Government needs to put some serious financial clout behind ongoing training to ensure its citizens remain globally competitive.

That advice comes from Stuart Hornery, chairman of the Australian National Training Authority and head of non-profit group the Hornery Institute, who is in Auckland for this week's Knowledge Wave conference.

In Australia, 10 years of reforms - including the introduction of a "skill development strategy" - have delivered an economy that has outstripped many Western economies.

Hornery says the impact of continuing on-the-job training has been tantamount to a revolution.

"Individuals may have two or three jobs these days and they need just enough [training], just in time and 'just for me'."

In New Zealand, universities currently gain all the educational kudos while polytechnic courses, which offer continued upskilling, are the "unloved heroes", says Hornery.

That mindset has to change, he says, and much of the responsibility rests with the Government.

"Always, Government needs to put more money towards [ongoing training]. If you are not skilled you are not competitive."

Australia puts A$4 billion ($4.29 billion) a year into continued training and its contribution is equalled by industry.

"Government subsidies are always one way to garner interest," says Hornery.

"There needs to be a more commercial approach, getting people away from thinking this type of training is a second option."

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