In 2011 the government initiated a review of the industry training sector, with the aim of improving efficiencies, outcomes for youth entering employment and workplace productivity.

Our collective industries participated in the review and provided feedback during the 18 month review process.

In January the government announced its final decisions, including the introduction of the New Zealand apprenticeship scheme which will provide increased support to apprentices and the apprenticeship re-boot subsidy initiative to encourage more businesses to undertake formal staff training.   

As part of the review process the government has stated its preference for fewer, larger ITOs. This has led to a rationalisation in the number of ITOs over the past few years, from more than 50 to 20.

The CMITO Board has taken a watching brief on the changing landscape within the industry training sector and has held on-going discussions with our industry associations about these potential changes.

They have set up a sub-committee to oversee these discussions, enter into preliminary talks with other ITOs with a view to future partnerships and report back to the CMITO Board on the best options for training in our industries going forward.

The CMITO Board is committed to securing the future of formal workplace training in the print, packaging, journalism and signmaking industries. Our ITO is in a solid financial position and continues to meet and exceed ITO performance targets.

We will keep you informed as discussions continue in this area.  In the meantime, make sure you use the successful industry training system we have in place.

Pictured: CMITO general manager John Cudby.