Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

Further information about Labour‟s approach to industry training can be found in Labour‟s
Skills and Employment policy.
Tertiary training and skills
The number of young students who are leaving school at age 16 with no qualifications and
little prospect of a job have increased. Without further qualifications, those who are
employed at that age invariably move into unskilled, low paid jobs.
To generate the highly skilled workforce that NZ needs to grow its wealth, the transition from
school must be to move into further tertiary education.
Research shows that young people who do not pass on into further tertiary education – or
find work – are highly unlikely to go back into training later. It is critical, therefore, that we
bridge the gap between secondary school and other tertiary training or study – whether it is
within a polytechnic, trade training or apprenticeship.
In the past nearly 20 years various governments have grappled with this school – tertiary
transition. Numerous different programmes have been put forward. None have tackled the
issue comprehensively.
Without a comprehensive overview that focuses on the medium-long term, there is little
likelihood that the numbers of young people moving directly into further education will
increase. This critical issue needs to be elevated above quick-fix projects put forward by
political parties.
Careers advice plays a crucial role in ensuring young New Zealanders develop the right
skills in school, and leave school for the right training, or with a plan of how to get a job.
Currently this does not happen. Labour made progress in this area beginning with „Designing
Careers‟ and moving towards an integrated school-wide approach to career education. This
programme was abandoned by National. In fact Labour introduced legislation to ensure
schools provided quality careers advice, however National did away with this change.
Labour will:
Review the current state of career information and guidance within the
schools with a view to a significant overhaul.
Include in the review how to achieve greater involvement from people outside
the school system, including employers.
Labour will increase the potential of the career advice provided in secondary schools
to ensure that students have a clearer understanding of the type of career they want
and can tailor their senior school years as most appropriate.
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