Education strategy good for economy

The Government’s draft strategy for tertiary education for the next five years features a strong emphasis on the economy, says BusinessNZ.

The strategy focuses on in-demand skills, links with industry and the contribution of research-based institutions

“It’s positive to see tertiary education being more explicitly linked with employment,” says BusinessNZ Chief Executive Phil O’Reilly.

“The Government’s decision to complete its evaluation of funding rates for key disciplines and essential skills is a sound one.

“Also important is the requirement for more explicit engagement between education and business. Tertiary education organisations need to actively engage with industry in planning and delivering courses and qualification, and business and industry must also engage more with the education sector.

“Students themselves need more and better information on the likely employment outcomes from study choices.

“Overall, the strategy’s focus on higher investment in disciplines where there is a competitive advantage, addressing changing skill needs and adapting more quickly to change will be welcomed by business.”