The Government has released a consultation document today seeking public feedback on how well New Zealand's Youth Training and Training Opportunities programmes operate.

Building Futures has been prepared as part of a review of the Youth Training and Training Opportunities programmes. It was released today by Social Services and Employment Minister and Associate Education (Tertiary Education) Steve Maharey during a visit to a Wellington training provider, McGirr Training Ltd.

Steve Maharey said that Training Opportunities and Youth Training programmes represent the Government's major investment to lifting the foundation skills of those who have not acquired those skills whilst at school.

"Training Opportunities and Youth Training programmes provide those with low or no qualifications, and those who have histories of unemployment with pathways on to further education and training. In 2000 there were 21,965 Training Opportunities learners and a further 13,125 young people (those aged between 15 and 17) on youth training programmes.

"The Government is currently carrying out a 'first principles" review of Training Opportunities and Youth Training programmes using a team comprising both experts from the education and training sectors, and representatives of key Government agencies.

"We want to establish the appropriate future objectives for these programmes and their future role within this Government's vision for the wider tertiary education and employment assistance sectors.

"The Building Futures public consultation document is the result of the first phase of the review.

"Review team members have had initial consultations with stakeholders including providers, employers and students about these programmes. They have also considered the lessons from New Zealand and international experience in identifying a number of issues for further discussion and debate.

"The review document presents some ideas about the future shape of these programmes, including their funding, delivery, and priorities. The Government wants to hear a broad range of views on these proposals before decisions are made about the future of these programmes.

"I encourage all those with an interest in the programmes to make their views known to the review team," Steve Maharey said.

Written and electronic submissions can be made to the review team until 31 January 2002. The team will also be holding consultation meetings throughout the country in January 2002. It is due to make final recommendations to the Government by the end of February 2002.