More focus needed on education: Minister

Helping young people gain the skills, knowledge and attitude to be a productive part of the community and workforce is a priority, but Education Minister Hekia Parata says it will not be achieved overnight.

Speaking to the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce at the Distinction Hotel yesterday, Parata said she was passionate about creating an education system - from early childhood to tertiary level - that provided opportunities for young people, for businesses and for the New Zealand economy, but admitted most steps towards achieving this would take longer than people would like.

"Education is something we need to focus on so much more. In the next year or two it is something we will be talking about more - about how we can help young people to do more and achieve more.

"We want them to leave school able and willing and excited about the opportunities they are qualified to demand."

One of the key areas she is focusing on is transitions between education levels and ensuring students can see clear educational and career pathways to motivate them into the next stage.

"The transition from secondary to tertiary is critical to keeping young people in education and keeping them motivated. We need to be providing the skills and knowledge for young people to participate in roles in business that are available in Rotorua, New Zealand and around the globe."

To achieve this, Parata said it was important for young people to be making good choices about the subjects they were taking from as early as Year 7 to prepare them for the career paths they want and which are beneficial to the economy. She wants to introduce careers guidance earlier in students' schooling to reduce the odds of them getting to the end of secondary education only to find they have limited their options.

Building softer skills is another area she wants to look at.

"We want young people who are skilled and qualified and have the attitude and aptitude for work, ready to do the job and engaging with their fellow workers, clients and customers. How can we facilitate stronger growth in these skills?"

She said there was a shift away from focusing entirely on academic university pathways, but it would take time for attitudes to vocational and trades careers to change.

"Research shows if you have trades skills and develop business literacy, that's where the burgeoning middle class is building in any society."

Parata said the Government could not change perceptions of professional versus vocational careers, but it could work to remove barriers to people pursuing either path if that suited them.