Submission by NZTech to the Ministry of Education
NZTech has submitted recommendations to the Ministry of Education on the future of work-based learning, emphasizing the critical need for improved digital skills training pathways.
Current Challenges
- 45% of NZ’s digital workforce relies on talent operating on work visas
- Existing pathways for upskilling and advanced digital training for the NZ workforce are inadequate
- Digital skills demand spans across all sectors undergoing digital modernisation
- Only half of digital workers are employed in the tech sector
Key Recommendations
- Support the collaborative work-based learning model with dedicated pastoral care
- Establish specific Industry Skills Body (ISB) for digital/business roles
- Develop closer collaboration between industry and education system
- Focus on industry input during policy development, not just consultation
Implementation Requirements
- Recognition that tech firms need support to implement work-based learning
- Dedicated entity to manage pastoral care responsibilities
- System-wide approach to facilitate successful outcomes
- Strong emphasis on industry-education collaboration
NZTech’s submission highlights that improving education pathways for digital skills is crucial for New Zealand’s entire economy, not just the tech sector.
