The Government's proposal for changes to the NCEA system will require input from industry bodies to develop better vocational pathways.
Hospitality New Zealand has acknowledged the Government’s proposal to replace the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) with a new set of national qualifications.
Alongside a number of changes, including NCEA levels 1, 2 and 3 being replaced, the Government’s proposal includes a commitment to work with industry to develop better vocational pathways so students are getting the skills relevant to certain career pathways.
“We’re pleased to see that the Government is considering changes that have the potential to improve vocational pathways, and support hospitality becoming an industry of choice,” said Steve Armitage, Hospitality NZ Chief Executive.
“We’re particularly encouraged by the Government’s commitment to working with industry to design coherent vocational learning packages. This could ensure that hospitality standards reflect the skills and professionalism our sector requires, while giving students a clear pathway from school into hospo careers.”
Armitage said that hospitality offers rewarding career opportunities for those who join our industry, and national qualifications need to be structured in a coherent way that enables a student to build on their hospitality experience before leaving school.
“A nationally consistent hospitality pathway will also support workforce development by providing a clearer pipeline of local talent. This will make it easier for more New Zealanders to gain the skills they need for hospitality careers, while gradually reducing our industry’s reliance on migrant workers,” he added.
“We look forward to contributing to the review process, and working with the Government to ensure a stronger connection between the standards offered and the skills required in the workplace.”
“We want every New Zealander to reach their full potential and contribute to a thriving economy, and that starts with our students,” Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said.
“The evidence shows NCEA is not consistent and can be hard to navigate. It doesn’t always deliver what students and employers need.”
The proposal also included replacing NCEA Levels 2 and 3 with two new qualifications (The New Zealand Certificate of Education at Year 12 and the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education at Year 13), requiring students to take five subjects and pass at least four to attain each certificate, and marking clearly out of 100 with grades that make sense to parents like A, B, C, D, E.
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