ITOs

• What are the next steps in this process?

  TEC will be reviewing the responses of ITOs. We will then engage with each ITO to ensure that there has been a consistent application of the definition.

• I am unsure how to apply the definition to the programmes that my ITO offers

  ITOs should apply the definition in a reasonable way and explain in the response that they provide to TEC why they have excluded some programmes. For example, some programmes may be closely linked to a specific regulatory compliance requirement, but also result in the acquisition of broad transferable skills.

• My ITO offers a number of programmes in which health and safety and/or regulatory compliance training is a small component. Is TEC proposing to remove funding for these programmes?

  Not necessarily. The definition provides for ITOs to continue to claim funding for programmes with health and safety and/or regulatory compliance training components where the majority of enrolments lead to the completion of the whole programme. In particular, ITOs should carefully review the enrolment patterns of trainees to assess whether they meet the definition.

• My ITO offers a number of programmes that are intended to comply with Government regulations. Will these programmes be covered by the definition?

  ITOs should assess whether the programmes that they offer meet the TEC definition. In particular, ITOs should identify any programmes that are designed primarily for this purpose.

• I have reviewed the courses or programmes identified by TEC, do I need to do anything else?

  Yes, TEC has undertaken an initial review of the programmes offered by each ITO. However, ITOs are best placed to assess which programmes meet the TEC definition. As a result, ITOs should review all of the programmes they offer to determine whether any of them meet the definition. By 11 March 2010, the ITO should respond to the letter from David Nicholson, Director, Tertiary Investment and…