The Changing Role of Industry Training Organisations in New Zealand

Abstract

Recent developments in the provision and funding of industry training in New Zealand have provided substantial challenges for Industry Training Organisations. This article focuses upon the role that they are expected to play in supporting the Labour-led Coalition’s Economic Transformation (ET) agenda, and explores some of the challenges created. A major aim of the ET agenda is to produce globally competitive firms by better directing the government investment in education and training and in research, science and technology. In this context, Industry Training Organisations are expected to play an increasingly active role in driving the government’s investment in industry training. This article considers some of the barriers and challenges they face in meeting these new government expectations.