Significant rise in enrolments

Otago Polytechnic has witnessed a significant rise in student enrolments following the introduction of the Government’s Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund. 

"Otago Polytechnic’s second semester vocational enrolments are up more than 400 compared to the same time last year,” Dr Megan Gibbons, Otago Polytechnic Chief Executive, says. 

“This equates to us being almost 7% above budgeted numbers for domestic EFTS for 2020 and is largely a result of the TTAF. 

“Our Cromwell Campus has experienced significant increased demand for primary sector programmes, including horticulture and apiculture. 

“We are also investigating an additional stream of our Pre-Trade Carpentry programme in September, increasing available places by 28. This reflects increased demand for Carpentry courses. 

“As a major training provider for engineering and trade – regionally and nationally, Otago Polytechnic is well placed to increase places for more students, as well as be agile in what programmes we deliver to meet the needs in our community,” Dr Gibbons says.  

‘‘We have expanded programmes across our Dunedin and Central Otago campuses." 

The Government’s Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund (TTAF) is a $320 million programme that targets support for areas of study and training, giving learners better employment prospects as New Zealand recovers from COVID-19. 

The range of free learning opportunities include construction, engineering (mechanical, civil and electrical), horticulture, viticulture, agriculture, community support and architecture. 

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