West Coast Conservation Training and Employment Hub

• Published date: 27 April 2022
• Publication title: West Coast Messenger, The

Buller District Council and Tai Poutini Polytechnic are partnering to establish the Hub, which is the first stage in what will become a multi-layered approach to the support of a green economy in the Buller District and the wider West Coast

The Hub will provide accessible training, employment and education opportunities for those working in, working with and interested in conservation and biodiversity.

Tai Poutini Polytechnic's Peter O'Sullivan, responsible for initially coordinating and managing the Hub, shares how the regional initiative is rolling out.

What is the Conservation Training and Employment Hub?

This is an exciting initiative which has seen regional leaders come together to create an innovative approach to an environmental and employment opportunity on the West Coast - the growing need for conservation and sustainability expertise to address key local issues and exploit growth opportunities.

More than just a physical location for learning, the Hub concept is about bringing together all the key players - like the Polytechnic, local Council, employers, conservation experts, NZTA and other Government agencies - to create a multi-layered approach that identifies projects to support and works to address key emerging issues such as climate change.

What training will be delivered through the hub?

The beauty of this approach is that it is flexible and can respond to local needs. Right now, we're working with the local community, conservation employers and others to understand what these needs are: What are the key projects underway that need skilled workers? What are the regional environmental issues that require support? What is the future of conservation and sustainability and what expertise will be required down the track?

These are all questions that we're asking now and we want to learn more. The concept of the hub will evolve and shaped depending on the needs of our region.

What courses are you currently delivering?

We're working with key community stakeholders to identify exactly what training is needed. We are about to begin training with ZIP, along with opportunities to learn about vehicle and machinery operation, height access, river ranger skills, navigation and more. The qualifications available vary on the training required.

What types of training are you thinking about delivering in the future?

This will directly reflect the needs of industry, employers and key regional projects. It will align to goals identified in regional growth...