EIT has officially launched the Food and Fibre Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) with a formal welcome onto EIT’s marae Te Ara o Tāwhaki.
As part of the Government’s Reform of Vocational Education and funded by TEC, the Food and Fibre CoVE is designed to drive innovation and excellence in vocational education by connecting industry with the vocational education sector, researchers, and communities.
Food and Fibre CoVE Board Chair Dr Mark Paine stressed that the food and fibre industry is fundamental to New Zealand. Over 70 percent of export receipts come from horticulture, agriculture, forestry etc. Reinforcing connections and building relationships lie at the heart of the Food and Fibre CoVE. “The Food and Fibre CoVE will focus on three key areas; vocational excellence, attracting, retaining, and growing talent, and innovation in the workforce.”
Board members and officials reiterated their commitment to creating a unified vocational education system that meets the needs of learners and industry alike. They also expressed their willingness to share knowledge, enable and coordinate industry-relevant projects, while tackling the challenges that the sector is facing, such as the ageing workforce and the difficulty to attract a younger workforce.
Inaugural General Manager, Paul Hollings highlighted that he is looking forward to assuming his role on Monday, March 1. “I’m really excited to get going. We have all the answers as a country and as an industry. Connecting with each other will be the key to achieve success.”
5th March 2021