Business. Scoop » Skills Group Expands Into Primary Industries With Acquisition Of National Trade Academy
Press Release – Skills GroupThe acquisition enables Skills Group to rapidly grow its training provision in the primary sector – an area identified as a priority for future development – while strengthening. . .
Press Release – Skills GroupThe acquisition enables Skills Group to rapidly grow its training provision in the primary sector – an area identified as a priority for future development – while strengthening its footprint in Christchurch and across the South Island. Skills Group Training Limited has acquired Christchurch-based National Trade Academy Limited (NTA), following NZQA approval, marking a significant step in expanding its presence in primary and land-based industries. The acquisition enables Skills Group to rapidly grow its training provision in the primary sector – an area identified as a priority for future development – while strengthening its footprint in Christchurch and across the South Island. National Trade Academy has been delivering land-based education and training since 2000 and is recognised for equipping students with practical skills for careers in agriculture and related industries. The Christchurch-based provider holds NZQA Category 1 status – the highest level of quality assurance recognition – and has built strong industry relationships over more than two decades. During that time, NTA has also made a significant contribution to international education and has worked closely with employers to meet workforce needs through its long-standing Dairy Farming course, supporting industry capability for more than 20 years. Skills Group Chief Executive Rosanne Graham says the acquisition represents a strategic move to broaden the organisation’s industry coverage and learner pathways. “National Trade Academy brings deep expertise and strong employer connections in the primary sector,” Ms Graham says. “While Skills Group has had limited provision in land-based industries to date, this acquisition gives us an established, high-quality platform from which we can grow. It enables us to expand into a sector that is critical to New Zealand’s regions and long-term economic strength. ”Ms Graham says the move also strengthens Skills Group’s approach to supporting learners across different stages of their education and careers. “Our focus is on supporting learners through their full journey from school-based programmes and foundation learning, through Level 2 to Level 7 qualifications, and into ongoing professional development,” she says. “NTA’s programmes which also include English language provision, align strongly with our existing foundation and literacy-focused courses. Together, this creates clearer, more connected pathways for learners, including those who need additional language or literacy support to succeed. ”National Trade Academy Managing Director Craig Musson says the partnership positions NTA well for its next phase of growth. “This is a partnership grounded in shared values and a common commitment to high-quality vocational education,” Mr Musson says. “Skills Group recognises the strength of what has been built at NTA. Joining a larger national organisation gives us the scale and support to grow our impact, while continuing to deliver the programmes and learner experience we are known for. ”The change of ownership does not affect day-to-day operations, staff roles, programme delivery or learner support. Learners will continue to receive the same training, qualifications, and support services, and Student Fee Protection arrangements will remain in place under the existing Standard Trust Deed with Public Trust. Content Sourced fromscoop. co. nzOriginal url