Source: Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
Posted on 27 February 2024
Interest in online vocational education continues to increase with specialist distance and online learning provider, Open Polytechnic, a business division of Te Pūkenga, receiving over 11% more full-time student enrolments so far in 2024, compared with the same period last year.
This is part of an overall growth in equivalent full-time student (EFTS) enrolments for campus-based and online divisions of the training sector, with a 7.4% increase recorded nationwide.
“The continued growth in enrolments is encouraging, and indicative of more learners seeking the flexibility that online provision through Open Polytechnic affords, to choose how and when they study,” says Open Polytechnic Executive Director Academic Services, Neil Carroll.
“It is especially pleasing that we are seeing this increase across all levels of study and also for our priority learners (Māori, Pacific Peoples and people with disabilities),” he says.
Open Polytechnic, which offers a wide range of qualifications from certificate to degree level, has seen sustained enrolment growth over several years. Most recently, a move to increase the frequency of course offerings to monthly intakes across most of Open Polytechnic’s business degree offerings has offered greater enrolment opportunities to learners across the country.
“We know learners want to connect to find out more about how learning can fit around their lives and the lives of their whānau,” says Te Pūkenga Tumuaki |Chief Executive Gus Gilmore.
“Whether you’re currently in-work and looking to expand your horizons or a school leaver who wants to connect with a rewarding career, very often calling our helpful enrolment teams is the beginning of a really strong and successful student journey,” says Mr Gilmore.
Head to the Open Polytechnic website for more information on the range of qualifications available: www.openpolytechnic.ac.nz
