15 November 2011
Approximately $6 million is being made available to support Pacific peoples to enter into trades training in 2012 and 2013.
The Pacific Trades Training initiative will provide up to 300 fees-free additional places in trades training over the next two years to support Christchurch’s earthquake recovery, stimulate demand for trades-related training in the Pacific community, and contribute to New Zealand’s overall economic development.
The initiative is about reaching Pacific students who would not normally enter a trades career and increasing their likelihood of success within those trades.
Although this is a one-off initiative, it will help boost the profile of trades careers within the Pacific community as a viable alternative to other higher education options.
A key principle of the Pacific Trades initiative is the role of Pacific church ministers, who will raise the profile of the trades as a viable career option, and identify and nominate potential trainees in partnership with the tertiary education organisations (TEOs). The provision of ongoing support, mentoring and pastoral care by the ministers, in conjunction with TEOs will also be a key part of this initiative.
This project complements existing initiatives in the trades area, such as Trades Academies, which support increased trades training opportunities.
For more information about the initiative, please visit here: http://www.tec.govt.nz/Funding/Fund-finder/Student-Achievement-Component/Skills-for-Canterbury/