The partnership between the Pacific Business Trust and Te Wananga o Aotearoa (TWOA) launched in late 2009 offering free business courses at its head office in Otahuhu is proving popular while New Zealand claws its way out of recession.
When times are tough, Pacific Business Trust chair Hamish Crooks says it’s hard to turn down those in need, so they do everything they can not to.
“Collectively with the Wananga, we have a course starting up for which was specified for 80 positions. We had 100 people take it,” he says.
“We’re starting to meet the need and there is a need, otherwise we wouldn’t be able to fill it. The fact we are flexible in providing courses in the evenings is significant.”
Crooks adds that in a recession, people are looking for alternatives away from employment. While some may currently be in work, the lack of security means they want to gather skills and qualifications in case they’re needed.
And there are those who have always desired to be in business, but need to gather the skills and qualifications to prepare them.
By targeting between the Level 2 and Level 4 of the NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority) framework, the courses provide start up qualifications that are required before progressing on to diplomas and degrees.
From the initial courses the success rate has been 67%, approximately two-thirds of participants.
“The success of this partnership has the Trust looking to extend the courses to Waitakere, Porirua and possibly Christchurch.
We’re building on that, so coming on stream will be a certificate in computing for business administration – we are looking for qualifications which are complementary to business in general.”
Yvonne O’Brien, Regional Manager of TWOA, recalls how the partnership started from a dream of two individuals – TWOA’s CEO Bentham Ohia and Michael Jones, chair of the Village Sports Academy Trust (VSA).
With the VSA handling those in the 17-20s, the TWOA-PBT courses are attracting the following age group up to 45.
“The fact remains that one in two Pacific and Maori men are leaving school with no qualifications,” says O’Brien.
“Their job and future prospects are therefore limited. The only way to alleviate that is by providing such opportunities as these.”
The Pacific Business Trust is expected to announce its latest Chief Executive in May, replacing Richard Reid, who served for two years.
It will also host the Pacific Business Awards later this year for the first time since 2007.
The awards will be an opportunity to celebrate the Trust’s 25th anniversary.
