The CoVE will be established by a consortium involving 54 organisations across the food and fibre sector.
Consortium chair Jeremy Baker says that shows an unprecedented level of collaboration within the food and fibre sector.
“This is a decisive step forward in the partnership between the food and fibre sectors and Government,” he said.
“The Food and Fibre CoVE will be learner-focused, led by industry and enabled by Government.”
Baker says the intention is to create excellence by focusing on the success of learners, industry, and education.
“The food and fibre sectors are the backbone of communities nationwide, as well as New Zealand’s economy. For these reasons, we need to maintain our international reputation for high quality and sustainable food and fibre exports,” he said.
“This success depends on our people, their capabilities, innovation and teamwork.”
He says building on the sector’s contribution will require a skilled workforce.
“A new range of skills will be essential to take advantage of future opportunities and meet future challenges,” Baker said.
“All members of the Food and Fibre CoVE are excited to get started, helping build an education and training system that is responsive and fit-for-purpose.”
The CoVE Consortium, formed from the Food and Fibre Skills Establishment Group, is a collaboration of organisations including industry associations, tertiary providers, Maori, employers, employees and standard setting bodies.
The CoVE will be hosted by the NZ Institute of Skills and Technology through its subsidiary, the Eastern Institute of Technology, in Hawke’s Bay.
