Polytech enrolments defy expectations

Phil Ker.
Phil Ker.
Enrolments at the Otago Polytechnic have "remained strong'' despite a drop in numbers across the tertiary sector, chief executive Phil Ker says.

Recent figures show an increase in enrolments in 12 of the institution's 13 departments and schools, while first-year and international enrolments are up 253 (efts) and 146 (efts) respectively on 2015.

A predicted decrease in enrolments in the School of Architecture, Building and Engineering had not eventuated, and enrolments had "bounced back'' with an additional 63.1 full-time students studying at the school this year.

Last year, the institution announced plans to cut seven full-time staff from the school because of the forecast drop in overall enrolments.

Mr Ker said redundancies in the school did occur, and some staff were "temporarily redeployed'' in the hope enrolments would pick up.

A further 154 efts were added to the polytechnic's roll after it took over all programmes run by Aoraki Polytechnic following the disestablishment of the tertiary provider at the end of last year.

The increases contribute to a 10.8% efts enrolment rise, taking the polytech roll to 4800 efts.

The 2016 roll meets the institution's budgeted enrolment target, and a further 600 efts were expected to enrol by the end of the year, an Otago Polytechnic spokeswoman said.

Mr Ker said he was pleased numbers at the polytechnic remained strong given the softening of enrolments in the wider sector.

"This reflects the attractiveness of our programmes and of Dunedin as a study destination,'' he said.

The School of Social Services recorded the only decrease - a drop of 10.2 efts on 2015, reducing the roll to 323.7 efts.

The polytechnic's Auckland International Campus gained a further 91.9 efts, and further growth on the campus was expected, Mr Ker said.

margot.taylor@odt.co.nz

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