A new foundation programme launched as part of an Otago Polytechnic Maori trades training initiative will help counter New Zealand's significant skills shortage, polytechnic chief executive Phil Ker says.
The country's long-standing skills shortage was "obviously of concern", but this also meant there were some "exciting prospects" for qualified tradespeople, especially once the Canterbury rebuilding began, Mr Ker said at the launch on Thursday.
"We will offer our Maori pre-trade students support, encouragement and a sense of community to assist them to achieve the best possible study and career outcomes."
The new 17-week certificate in foundation studies (level 2) programme, developed in collaboration with Te Runaka o Otakou, was an exciting addition to the polytechnic's overall programmes, he added.
Polytechnic communications manager Mike Waddell said the polytechnic needed to respond to the relatively high rate of unemployment among 16 to 25-year-olds.
As part of the polytechnic's Maori trades training programme, "Hit the Ground Running - Pakake Ana to Haere", the certificate had been developed to help prepare students to embark on a range of trade qualifications.
He noted the strong support already shown for the certificate, including by Christchurch Polytechnic, and said it was a positive step forward for Otago Polytechnic.
The polytechnic would also offer $1000 scholarships to any students accepted to the programme, organisers said.
More than 80 people took part in launch activities at the polytechnic on Thursday evening, with kaumatua Huata Holmes giving the formal welcome.
Participating students will undertake industry placements and will also learn literacy, numeracy and computer skills, in preparation for the demands of higher-level study and workplace requirements.
The certificate was aimed at Maori students, but anyone who was interested in the trades and believed they would benefit from learning within a kaupapa-based framework was welcome to apply.
