This week, the ARA met with Wellington Uni Professional, a subsidiary of the Victoria University of Wellington, on workforce development and skills issues facing the New Zealand rail industry.  

The ARA held an introductory meeting with CEO John Milford and General Manager  Programmes Tania McGowan from Wellington Uni Professional to discuss opportunities for collaboration. 

The ARA will soon be commencing a new research project focused on analysing the future skills requirements for the New Zealand rail sector, as well as developing a deeper understanding of the capability, diversity profile, and capacity in the sector to fulfil future skills requirements. Wellington Uni Professional has kindly offered in-kind support and input into the project, particularly in relation to the tertiary sector and identifying future opportunities. 

As a result of the discussion, the ARA will also be seeking to engage with New Zealand’s relevant Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) to explore opportunities for collaboration on the proposed research project, particularly from a vocational education perspective. 

The ARA and Wellington Uni Professional also agreed to continue exploring other opportunities for collaboration, particularly for rail-specific university courses and microcredentials, similar to the collaboration underway with Australian-based universities.  

For any organisations interested in being involved in the ARA’s upcoming New Zealand workforce and skills research report, there is a sponsorship opportunity available that would allow for co-branding and tailored input into the development of the report. 

For further information, please contact Simon Bourke, General Manager – Advocacy & New Zealand at [email protected].