A new discussion document from Muka Tangata examines how good qualification, standard, and micro-credential design can enable greater flexibility in vocational education and training.
A New Approach to Learner Pathways responds to engagement and discussion between Muka Tangata and the food and fibre sector, iwi and hapū Māori and education providers that vocational education and training needs to be responsive and flexible for people to succeed. Muka Tangata have developed a proposal to create a streamlined set of qualifications that work for ākonga (learners), the food and fibre sector, and particularly for Māori and Pacific peoples.
“We have heard that employers, learners and providers find formal vocational education inflexible, complex and hard to use and know that vocational education numbers in food and fibre have been dropping. The main positive demographic opportunities for the workforce of Aotearoa are Māori and Pacific peoples — but only if they can succeed in the system,” Muka Tangata Chief Executive Jeremy Baker said.
“We need a system of qualifications, standards and micro-credentials that is much more responsive to diverse needs - of employers, learners, and iwi and hapū Māori.”
The document examines the changing state of vocational education, poses questions and establishes an initial set of refreshed design and review principles. It is the first step in investigating the opportunity for a streamlined set of qualifications, standards and micro-credentials that work for ākonga and the food and fibre sector.
Muka Tangata, the People, Food and Fibre Workforce Development Council, will use the document to further refine their approach to qualification development and review through engagement with iwi and hapū Māori and industry and education partners and welcomes feedback and ideas.
To provide your feedback please reach out to Craig Langdon, GM Qualifications and Standards qualifications@mukatangata.nz.