Industry Update: Energy and Infrastructure Industry Skills Board to Lead New School Subject
The Minister of Education has confirmed the Energy and Infrastructure Industry Skills Board (EIISB) will lead the development of a new Energy and Infrastructure subject as part of New Zealand's future senior secondary qualification system. Read about what this means for the sector, how industry will help shape the curriculum, and why this is an important step in strengthening future workforce pathways.
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The Minister of Education Hon Erica Stanford has confirmed nine industry-led subjects for development under the new senior secondary qualification system replacing NCEA.
The Energy and Infrastructure Industry Skills Board (EIISB) will lead development of the Energy and Infrastructure subject. EIISB will also work with other Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) on the Engineering Technology subject, led by the Transport ISB.
EIISB Chief Executive Philip Aldridge says the decision will give industry a direct role in strengthening pathways from school into further training, apprenticeships and skilled work.
"Students make better choices when they can see where study can take them. New Zealand's energy and infrastructure sectors need people with strong technical, operational and systems skills.
"These subjects will help students understand the work, the skills involved and the options available to them after school."
The Energy and Infrastructure subject will draw on the knowledge and experience of employers and industry organisations across energy, water, civil infrastructure and extractives.
Many students have limited exposure to these industries while they're at school. The new subjects will help students understand the qualifications, training and career progression available before they decide what to do next.
Philip says the announcement marks the beginning of the subject-development process.
"We have a chance to build something that works for students, makes sense to schools and gives industry confidence that young people are getting a stronger introduction to these sectors.
"If we get this right, more students will leave school with a clearer pathway into the work that keeps New Zealand moving."
EIISB will work with industry, schools, other ISBs and the Ministry of Education as development gets under way.
Further information about industry engagement, subject content and implementation will be provided as decisions are confirmed.
Read more here: https://energyinfra-skills.nz/government-confirms-new-subject/
