There has been a lot of reaction to Education Minister Chris Hipkin’s proposed move to take over control and ownership of independent training providers (ITPs) and independent training organisations (IPOs), and combine them with under-performing polytechnics to try and get a better outcome for New Zealand’s vocational training.
However, what many people don’t realise is that time is running out quickly, and unless some real protests are staged soon, it’s going to be too late.
Although Minister Hipkin has promised “consultation”, reading between the lines on the statement he released last month, he’s going to do it whether you like it or not, unless you create so much fuss that he’s forced to reconsider.
By you, I mean all of you out there who are involved with employing trained staff or apprenticeships, whether it be as employees, trainers, or apprentices.
In Hipkin’s own words, it’s going to happen.
“The Government will consider all feedback received during consultation and then make decisions quickly on how to proceed – likely in May or June this year. Public announcements will follow shortly afterwards,” he says in the statement.
“We would aim to pass any new legislation during 2019 to enable a new institution to be technically in place from 1 January, 2020. This would occur through a technical merger of existing institutions, with the details depending on the final option adopted.”
To me, the decision is already cut and dried, and he wants to do it quickly, while you’re still reeling from the announcement. Hipkin has been very quiet, and that makes me nervous.
If we want to continue providing top-class training for our industries, we have to act, and act swiftly, or it will be a done deal and the bad will just drag down the good to make a mediocre system that’s neither fish nor fowl.
Here’s one way you can register a protest: you can complete a survey on the MITO website at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VETreform. Or you can send an email to MITO at info@mito.org.nz with the subject line “Vocational reforms” outlining how you feel. Alternatively you can write to the Government at Vocationaleducation.Reform@education.govt.nz stating your objections. Or you can write to your MP. Or you can do all four.
But whatever you choose, do SOMETHING.
