UCOL has begun consulting with its kaimahi (staff) on a proposal for getting UCOL Future-Ready.
UCOL Operations Lead, Jasmine Groves, says it is crucial for the vocational education sector to have not only financially sustainable but academically rigorous organisations that are founded on strong and enduring industry engagement and community connections.
“In 2024, UCOL worked with financial consultants to review the state of our finances and explore opportunities for sustainable viability.”
This strong focus on financial viability is challenging as we consider a reduction in property, a decrease in programmes and therefore change in kaimahi numbers, however it is our opportunity to address issues that have plagued UCOL since 2019.
“We recognise and acknowledge the impact of the proposal on our kaimahi. Change is difficult, especially when having to reduce the size of a workforce amongst a number of proposed changes.”
While UCOL has a long-standing history of being financially sustainable, the institution has not been in this position since 2019, for a range of complex reasons. While these are uncertain times, we are also in an extraordinarily unique position to have a significant impact on the future of our communities and wider rohe.
“The positive news is that based on the proposal and broader work plan shared with our kaimahi, there is an opportunity for UCOL to return to surplus by the end of 2026.”
“UCOL has provided critical education services to our rohe for over 130 years, and we acknowledge the importance of this to our communities. UCOL has always actively engaged with our community, be it iwi, political leaders, business and industry, or the everyday whānau, and will continue to do so.”
“Our priority remains with our ākonga at the centre of our mahi, and we are committed to ensuring any changes are as seamless as possible. Should this proposal go ahead, any ākonga in impacted programmes will be ‘taught out’, enabling them to complete their qualifications.”