Training Federation hopes for budget flexibility

The Industry Training Federation (ITF) is calling for more flexibility in how training organisations use their funding to work with businesses.

Though expecting a tight budget next week, federation director Jeremy Baker hopes the Government will follow through on its statements of support for workplace training.

He hopes the budget will increase support to keep trainees in work and support ITOs to work with schools. He also wants the Government to continue to support improving workplace literacy and learning.

"These are not high cost items, but they are initiatives that will help secure a skilled and productive workforce now and in the future," Mr Baker said.

About 180,000 apprentices and trainees and 35,000 businesses are involved in industry training every year.

The ITF represented all 39 ITOs in New Zealand, Mr Baker said.

"[It's] the most cost effective part of the education and training sector. Added to that, it is closely aligned with industries, who also make financial and in-kind contributions, so it is more likely to lead to direct economic gain through productivity improvement," he said.

NZPA