The adult education landscape in New Zealand has been rapidly shifting over the last few years. With the introduction of new emerging technologies, the change in economic and political climates, and the increased demand for flexible learning options, the state of adult education has been significantly affected. As a result, there have been considerable developments in the way adult education is delivered and the resources available for adult learners. In this article, we will explore the current state of adult education in New Zealand, including the resources and opportunities accessible to adult learners.
Changes in the Adult Education Landscape
The adult education landscape in New Zealand has experienced a wide range of changes over the past few years. Emerging technologies, such as the internet, have been instrumental in influencing the way adult education is delivered, allowing for greater flexibility and access to resources for adult learners. In addition, the changing economic and political climates in New Zealand have driven up demand for adult education services as individuals seek to further their skills and qualifications.
The increased demand for flexible learning options has seen a rise in the number of providers offering courses and programs tailored specifically to the needs of adult learners. This includes a wide range of providers offering online and distance learning options, as well as more traditional classroom-based instruction. The range of options available to adult learners has also been widened by the government’s commitment to the Tertiary Education Strategy (TES) which enables adult learners to access financial subsidies to pay for their adult education.
Opportunities for Adult Learners in New Zealand
Despite the changes to the adult education landscape, there are still plenty of opportunities for adult learners in New Zealand. The TES offers numerous courses and programs which can be tailored to the needs of each adult learner. These include:
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) – This is a wide range of courses and programs designed to help adult learners gain skills, qualifications and experience in the workforce. It is available through over 200 certified providers in New Zealand and can include courses in areas such as hospitality, technology, health and safety.
- Foundation Studies – Foundation Studies are designed to allow adult learners to transition into higher level learning. This includes Foundation Level 1, which is a program that is designed to help adult learners with academic literacy and numeracy skills, as well as Foundation Level 2, which is a program that assists learners in developing their knowledge and skills in specific subject areas.
In addition, there are also a number of initiatives and resources available to adult learners in New Zealand. These include:
- The Learner Journey – This is an online platform which provides adult learners with a comprehensive range of resources and advice on sector-specific information. It is designed to provide support to adult learners throughout their learning journey.
- KiwiSkills – This online platform provides free advice and information for adult learners on a wide range of topics such as job search, career advice and how to get started in an industry.
- The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand – This is an open-access, non-profit tertiary education provider offering a range of programmes and qualifications that are flexible and tailored to the needs of adult learners.
Conclusion
The state of adult education in New Zealand has seen significant changes over the past few years. As a result, there are now a vast array of resources and opportunities available for adult learners. With an emphasis on flexible learning options, the range of providers and courses on offer has been widened considerably, enabling adult learners to tailor their learning paths to fit their individual needs.
The range of initiatives and resources available to adult learners in New Zealand also means that they are better equipped to take control of their own learning journey. From the TES to the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand and the Learner Journey, the resources available provide valuable advice and support to individuals looking to progress their skills, qualifications and career.
Overall, the state of adult education in New Zealand is in a strong position and there is a wealth of resources and opportunities available to enable adult learners to reach their goals.
