Chinese presidents visit Wintec
Sixteen presidents* from vocational technical colleges in China are in New Zealand taking part in leadership training in Rotorua and Hamilton this week as part of New Zealand China Vocational Education and Training Programme (VELT).
The two-week VELT Programme, organised and led by the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec), is sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Education, the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) and Education New Zealand. The programme sees the group spend this week (20 – 24 June) at the Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic in Rotorua and next week (27 June – 1 July) at Wintec in Hamilton.
Similar CEAIE study tours have been held in the past in Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, the USA and UK, however this is the first time such a group has visited New Zealand.
Sino-NZ Model programme director, Tony O'Brien says CEAIE's overseas training programmes play an important part in the development of professional and vocational education in China and are part of the Chinese government's decision to accelerate the modernisation of its professional and vocational education and training.
He says the leaders will study the New Zealand system and have a particular interest in how New Zealand's vocational education sector engages with, and adapts itself to, meet the needs of industry and the wider community.
"This fits with China's desire to transform its economy from a low cost exporter to a consumer-led, high value add economy."
During their time at Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and Wintec, the leaders will learn about all aspects of running a modern vocational institution including strategic planning, industry engagement, curriculum design, development and delivery, student-centred and project-based learning, authentic assessment and quality assurance.
"VELT is an important part of the NZ China Vocational Education and Training Model Programme which has a goal of fostering a deeper relationship between the two countries and developing increased levels of delivery by New Zealand Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) in China," says O'Brien.
"Ultimately, the vision is to establish model institutes of technology in China and to assist the Chinese to educate and train their future workforce."
The leaders will receive presentations from a variety of organisations during their stay including the Ministry of Education, the Industry Training Federation, NZQA, local businesses and senior leaders from Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and Wintec. They will also be taken on a number of industry visits and will enjoy a sheep show and farm tour during their two week stay.
* Presidents in this context are the equivalent to chief executives in New Zealand.
