On 10th day they studied

Polytechs are offering more than 3000 free or low-cost training places to workers whose companies sign up to the Prime Minister's nine-day fortnight.

In a surprise move, five polytechnics and institutes of technology will open up a range of existing courses for workers to attend on their 10th day.

When John Key proposed the nine-day working fortnight, a week ago, he encouraged workers to use the 10th day to broaden minds and skills; but said the Government could not subsidise training.

But the following day, polytech representatives hatched the scheme to provide free or low-cost courses. They presented it to the Prime Minister, who embraced the plan and will announce it this morning.

The Government will pay workers up to $62.50 for each nine-day fortnight, in return for a guarantee from employers that they won't be made redundant.

The Open Polytechnic will offer 1500 free places, and the other institutes (Otago, Aoraki, Wellington and Eastern) will offer cheap fees.

The educators would be open to discussions with firms of all sizes.

Both Business New Zealand and the Council of Trade Unions supported the plan, as long as it was relevant to both the workers and the employers.

Key said making compulsory training would have been complex.