Skills training an investment that pays off

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Workplace and Industry Training Survey results

A survey of hundreds of New Zealand companies confirms workplace and industry training is valued as a contributor to company success, says Business NZ.

Chief Executive Simon Carlaw says the survey, run by Business NZ and the Industry Training Federation with the support of the Department of Labour, indicated that training was positive for growth, profitability, innovation, staff retention and workplace safety.

"With about 90 per cent of the firms surveyed saying they provide training at present, and around 95 per cent intending to provide training over the next year, the indications are that skills training is a critical part of business strategy," Mr Carlaw said.

"It’s heartening to hear firms say that skills training is essential for operating in the global environment. New Zealand's growth prospects ride on our ability to sell our goods and services in the larger global market – that means our skills must be sharp and constantly updated."

Darel Hall, Executive Director of the Industry Training Federation, said it was also encouraging that around half of all firms taking part responded favourably regarding training arranged by industry training organisations.

"Industry-specific training is increasingly being shown as effective in meeting skill development needs, an endorsement of the ITO approach," Mr Hall said.

The survey covered 479 companies belonging to the regional associations that make up Business NZ: EMA Northern, EMA Central, Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, Canterbury Manufacturers’ Association and the Otago-Southland Manufacturers’ Association.