Waiariki Launches 64 New Scholarships

More than 60 people who have previously faced barriers to tertiary education
will have their first year course fees paid next year through Waiariki
Institute of Technology's new Pathways to Jobs scholarships.

The Pathways to Jobs scholarships will be aimed at people of all ages who
would not normally consider undertaking tertiary education because of
financial and other obstacles.

Waiariki CEO Dr Reynold Macpherson says the institute will cover the tuition
cost for 64 first year courses next year, across a variety of study
programmes. The combined value of the scholarships is more than $184,000.

"There are two main reasons why we are offering the Pathway scholarships.
Some people face hurdles in undertaking tertiary studies and employers are
also finding it increasingly difficult get workers with the right skills."

Research conducted by Waiariki earlier this year showed some of the most
common barriers included financial limitations, lack of transport, family
commitments and access to child care.

A Skills Gap Analysis carried out within the Waiariki catchment area also
predicted a severe shortage of skilled employees in the near future, as well
as other supply and demand issues surrounding that.

APR Consultants CEO Deryck Shaw was involved with the Skills Gap Analysis
and in setting up the Pathways to Jobs scholarships.

"Trends show that employment within the Waiariki region is continuing to
grow, yet already employers are finding it difficult to get workers with the
right skills. We could see this projected into the future and hope annual
Pathway scholarships will go someway to alleviating the problem."

Macpherson says due to the shortage of skilled employees it made sense to
offer an opportunity for local businesses and organisations to be involved
with Pathway.

"Businesses or organisations can sponsor a Pathway student for only $500.
While Waiariki will cover their full course costs the sponsorship monies
could be used to cover other course-related costs, such as transport, books
or childcare.

"Businesses are already showing interest. They select a course related to
their skill needs, help select the right student, maybe offer work
experience, and if the relationship works, offer the person a job. Getting
the right person with the right skills at the right time for only $500 is
very good value for money, when you take the long term view."

Waiariki will call for scholarship applications within the next two weeks.

The scholarships will be offered across all three Waiariki campuses.


For more information contact:
Rachel Piggin on 0800 WAIARIKI or email [email protected]

Website: www.waiariki.ac.nz