Breakout Session: Te Wao Toi Whānui (The Toi Whānui Forest) - incorporating industry voice into digital workforce training

Toi Mai Workforce Development Council has released the first vocational workforce development plan for the digital technologies sector, Te Wao Toi Whānui. The plan, developed with qualitative engagement with industry, peak bodies, and consultation with providers, and supported with quantitative data, sets out two main actions and two main recommendations which have wide implications for training, particularly PTEs, who currently teach 50% of learners in the sector. The plan highlights the lack of diversity in the sector, the need for alternative training pathways, the need for more work-based learning opportunities, and alignment with industry demand. The actions include: 1. Toi Mai will review existing qualifications and develop new products to promote opportunities for work-based learning, foundation skills and flexibility in provision. 2. Toi Mai will set progressive workforce targets and improve quality of data sources to enable workforce mapping The recommendations include: 1. Facilitate growth of a diverse workforce through work-based learning and new delivery options. 2. Improve coordination of training and industry initiatives to achieve better outcomes. The presentation will discuss the findings and insights of the plan, and how Toi Mai will engage and work with providers to incorporate the insights as technology qualifications are reviewed.