MonitoringReport2004 Engagement of TE Os with Industry for Skills Development
 

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A key element of this strategy is strengthening the linkages between TEOs and industry and business, to ensure that education continues to meet the skill requirements of industry.

The 2005 to 2007 profiles of TEOs provide a view of how TEOs are currently going about this engagement and the areas where they are planning further development. While profiles do not provide a total picture of activity, they do provide a good indication of what each organisation sees as strategically important in this area. The 2005 to 2007 profiles largely describe planned activity over the next three years and therefore provide information on intended direction. The achievement of this direction will be followed up in future monitoring reports 1.

Universities’ main focus on professional qualifications

In the area of skill development, universities are planning to engage with industry mostly on improving the relevance of professional education programmes, by seeking greater input from industry into course design and monitoring the employment outcomes for graduates.

In general, universities are consolidating on existing relationships with industries with regard to existing teaching programmmes, some of which include industry-based delivery of teaching. University linkages with industry at an institution-wide level are relatively light, with the major linkages being at a faculty and programme level. The strongest linkages tend to be around professional programmes.

University of Canterbury developing engagement with business, industry and its wider community

The University of Canterbury has identified ‘community engagement’ as one of its eight key strategic areas in its 2005 to 2007 profile. A Stakeholder Engagement Plan will be developed in 2005 to build on its existing relationships with business, industry and other stakeholders. Examples of existing engagement include involvement in the Christchurch City Mayor’s ‘Prosperous Christchurch’ project, the university’s marketing internship programme and programmes involving student field placements in areas such as engineering, management and social work. These programmes benefit industry and business in providing graduates who are better prepared for employment, assistance with product development and research and opportunities for joint ventures in commercialisation of intellectual property. The university benefits through opportunities for exchange of staff, student placements in business, industry and professional organisations and greater income.

From University of Canterbury Profile 2005/07

Polytechnics building on established links in vocational education

Polytechnics have a long history of engagement with industry in the delivery of vocational education. Most are building on these relationships, particularly through education/industry partnerships of various kinds, including regional development groupings and joint ventures.

Most polytechnics have undertaken some planning for future skill needs of their region and industries. However, the scope of this is varied. Some polytechnics are giving greater attention to improving industry input into decisions about course provision and design, while others have a greater focus on opportunities to deliver tailored programmes for industry, through industry training and other contractual arrangements. A few are building awareness of the role that polytechnics can play with industry, while most are focused on enhancing existing links.

Most polytechnics are involved in workplace training to varying extents. A common theme in the profiles is the development of flexible modes of delivery. ITOs play a significant linking role in this area.

In general, there are strong linkages between polytechnics and industries to deliver relevant and innovative education. These links will be working better for some industries than others. It is unclear the extent to which small businesses are being well served, particularly if they are not part of a strong industry representative group.

Waikato Institute of Technology aiming to meet the needs of business and industry

Waikato Institute of Technology has identified business and industry relationships as one of its strategic goals for 2005 to 2007. The goal includes developing “close relationships with local business, industry, union and trade groups to provide early warning of changes in industry needs, enhance the quality of its qualifications and provide training and support for business and industry”.

One of its senior managers has specific responsibility for building agreements with ITOs and industry. All Deans and Heads of Schools have specific responsibilities for relationships with industries and ITOs in their area. Wintec Training Solutions works closely with business and industry to provide training and professional development. It works with other local providers to deliver the training with minimal overlap. The polytechnic is also working with other polytechnics to deliver ongoing training in the agricultural sector.

From Waikato Institute of Technology - Te Kuratini o Waikato, Profile 2005–2007

 

1 The profiles have been analysed by looking at the kinds of activities that are in place and planned. These activities have been grouped into areas. This analysis only looks at the reference to the activity in the profile and does not take into account the degree of activity involved. (↑)

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