Thursday, 15 May 2008

The New Zealand Skills Strategy discussion paper was launched on 29 April 2008. It brings together government, business and workers in a partnership to address skill needs, and is a piece of work that will guide future programme development in a coordinated way to maximise contributions from both government and non-government stakeholders.

The New Zealand Skills Strategy will help us establish a mechanism for debating and reaching agreement on the required skills and systems to drive productivity, and better coordinate and communicate work across government and the social partners – Business NZ, Council of Trade Unions, and the Industry Training Federation – to drive skills development and use in the workplaces of the future.

The issue of workplace skills development and use is a key factor in improving labour market outcomes for Maori. Engagement with Maori workers, employers and community will be important and will support how the government and its partners can address specific Maori issues in developing this programme of work.

A public consultation process is currently being held with 23 public forums throughout the country from 12 May to 29 May. A consultation schedule is attached. Submissions close on 6 June 2008. Further information and a copy of the discussion paper is available from www.skillsstrategy.govt.nz. You can also contact skills@dol.govt.nz for further information and to register your attendance at one of the public workshops.”

Last modified: 29/08/2008