Working closely with food and fibre sector organisations, Muka Tangata has prepared the submission below on the government’s proposals. We seek to ensure that the food and fibre sector can access the skilled workers it needs to work productively and profitably.
Our responses to consultation questions (from page 9) directly address the questions asked by the Government.
Our submission addresses the issues and opportunities within vocational education and training (VET) for the food and fibre sector:
The reforms proposed by the Minister provide an opportunity to address the identified problems, to make the most of the opportunities, and to future-proof the VET system so that it meets the needs of our sector.
The food and fibre sector proposes the establishment of a dedicated, industry-led, standard-setting, commissioning and brokering organisation for the food and fibre sector. The organisation resembles the Minister’s proposal 2B, but with key additional responsibilities in commissioning and brokering food and fibre VET programmes.
Under strong industry leadership, the proposed organisation would exercise standard-setting functions, with a clear mandate to increase efficiency, to improve the functioning of the VET system (especially workplace-based learning), and to ensure the availability of skills the food and fibre sector requires.
The food and fibre sector seeks a leadership role in the further design and implementation of the government’s preferred options and offers its support.
