Ths political and financial climate of the day are two of the strongest influences constraining - and in some cases dictating - the way in which ALPN can be developed.
Funding from government sources is now funnelled through the Tertiary Education Commission for all post-school education. From an ALPN point of view most of this goes through Literacy Aotearoa to be distributed to its members either for separately contracted activity or as per capita income for each student trained.
Modern Apprenticeship Scheme
The Modern Apprenticeship Scheme (MAS) is here! So too is a very similar scheme operated in conjunction with the Building & Contruction Industry Training Organisation (also through Literacy Aotearoa). We how have several apprentices just started (or about to start) their literacy training.
There are still lots of minor details of the scheme to be worked out as case history develops but, generally speaking, the scheme organisation has been relatively painless as long as everyone knows what they have to do. For the rest we will have to wait until our first apprentices pass out to see if our efforts have helped them achieve their larger goal of passing the apprenticeship courses.
This is all an exciting ongoing adventure for ALPN; as previously indicated, the schemes will eventually be extended throughout the country as more experience is gained in running courses.
Industry Training Organisations
Two particular industries have embraced the Modern Apprenticeship Scheme whole-heartedly - the Building and Construction Industry and the Motor Industry. They have done this to such an extent that there are now special variants of the MAS to suit their particular needs.
Tomorrow
Our tasks for 2009 include -
- The continuing improvement of our computer facilities - both administrative and for tutoring.
- Updating our printing/scanning photo-copying facilities.
- Developing some new courses we have had in mind for a while
... and looking around for some other big challenge we can tackle - all in due course (of course)!
