The Green Party is today launching a petition calling on the Government to properly fund our polytechs, and end the cuts.
“It’s time for the Minister for Vocational Education and Training to step up and support polytechs–not throw them to the wolves like she has so far,” says the Green Party’s tertiary spokesperson, Francisco Hernandez.
“Our polytechs provide people with the training they need to do the jobs they want and the work our communities rely on. We need our polytechs.
“The repeated cuts across the country are a direct consequence of the Government’s decision to underfund the sector and have resulted in a reduction of classes, teachers and support for people trying to build their skills. That means less opportunities for people out there and even less hope for those struggling under the cost-of-living crisis.
“Today, we’re launching an open letter to the Minister for Vocational Education, calling on her to stop the cuts and properly fund our polytechs, so they are able to provide people with opportunities to upskill, retrain, and meaningfully contribute to communities.
“This petition is about showing the Minister that our communities want, and need, real choices in education and pathways into meaningful work,” says Francisco Hernandez.