The tertiary institution, alongside the Otago Chamber of Commerce, made a presentation to Central Otago industry leaders at the campus’ brewing facility on Tuesday about future plans and how students can be better developed in a transition into the workforce.
Central Campus manager Kelly Gay outlined the three areas the polytechnic would be focusing on, including ‘‘food experience, primary product and service, and outdoor adventure and tourism’’.
‘‘There is going to be a lot more emphasis and research into these areas,’’ he said.
‘‘That is going to be the reason people come to this campus.’’
A slow start to the tertiary year in terms of enrolment numbers at the campus had highlighted the institution’s view the local student market was moving into the workforce.
‘‘The reality is students don’t come here as often as they used to, because it is easier to get into work,’’ Mr Gay said.
‘‘That’s great but that means they don’t always have the necessary skills.’’
The campus had offered apprenticeships in its sports turf and stonemasonry programmes. Expansion into all areas would be an element which the polytech would develop further.
‘‘I have spent a lot of time talking to businesses about what their needs are and why kids aren’t as prepared as they should be for the workplace. That’s something that [the community] can participate in.’’
Last month, Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan wrote an opinion piece in the Otago Daily Times in which he highlighted the innovation of the Central Campus in ‘‘meeting industry needs’’.
The polytechnic is now seeking public submissions on its consent application regarding the expansion of its Bannockburn Rd site.
‘‘We want to build a community asset here. Something that is valuable to the local community and something which they are proud of,’’ Mr Gay said.
