Tertiary funding jobs link panned

Manawatu tertiary education institutions think a Government suggestion to link their funding to employment chances is unworkable.

UCOL, Massey University and student representatives have opposed the proposal.

Minister of Education Steven Joyce suggested linking tertiary education funding to employment outcomes during a speech at Victoria University this week.

"This will send a strong signal to students about which qualifications and which institutions offer the best career prospects – and that's what tertiary education has got to be about."

UCOL chief executive Paul McElroy said tertiary education is about improving lives and learning skills, as well as obtaining jobs.

"I do not believe a tertiary education organisation should be held wholly responsible for these outcomes through funding changes."

Many factors – including lifestyle and location choices – contribute to the ability of graduates to gain employment, he said.

Ralph Springett, president of Massey's extramural student association, said the proposal ignores the thousands of working students who are studying for skills they need in their current roles.

"The education of students is not solely about young people getting jobs."

Massey University communication director James Gardiner said the university was opposed to the idea of linking funding to employment outcomes.

However, Mr Joyce said the approach will encourage institutions to provide more support for their students and achieve better results for individual students and the country. "Most institutions are doing that, but there is nothing wrong with stretching it a bit further."

Tertiary Education Union national president Tom Ryan said it would be a dangerous path to follow.

"Institutions will be encouraged to divert funding into qualifications that offer mainly short-term employment prospects for students."

- © Fairfax NZ News