Thursday, 17th May 2012
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| Aoraki jobs, courses likely to be axed |
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By Amanda Durry September 23 2011
Currently there are 84 people on the two courses, or 13 ½ full-time equivalent students. Changes will be made across all five campuses as Aoraki proposes to discontinue courses such as radio, television, 3D animation, sport and fitness. Kris Smith from the Tertiary Education Union said the changes would have a big impact on a smaller community like Ashburton. "These courses are about second chance education and helping people develop the confidence and skills to go on to something else.  "They pick up skills that can lead to employment opportunities and it's about meeting the needs of people within the community."These courses have been very successful in Ashburton and helped a lot of people," she said. The life skills course teaches things such as literacy, numeracy, how to budget household finances and how to be a better parent. The computing class has also been popular with some older people who are trying to keep up with technology. "They're trying to live in a world that has changed and with a lot more older people being in part-time employment now, it is important so we will be launching a campaign to fight these changes. "Staff are shocked and upset and although the employer is saying at this stage it is only a proposal, it is clear to many that the decisions have already been made. "This proposal is nicely timed to have everyone sacked for Christmas," Ms Smith said. The proposed changes followed the executive team's review of the programme portfolio offered by the polytechnic against its strategic direction for the next three to five years. That strategy is in line with the Government's aim to increase the number of students achieving at higher levels and improving the educational and financial performance of providers. Chief executive Kay Nelson said they would be working closely with the Tertiary Education Union during the next month, prior to any final decisions being made. "We will fully consider all feedback received and expect to communicate the final decision to staff by early November. "Meanwhile, we understand that any proposed changes can be upsetting for staff concerned and will be supporting them as we work though the consultation process in coming weeks," she said.
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