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Dr. Linda Sissons and Pasifka Ministers at Pasifika Scholarships eventThe film, digital and creative industry in Wellington is one of theregion’s biggest employers with a workforce of almost 9,800.Thiscreative workforce is expected to increase by more than 600 overthe next four years. Occupations in this industry continue to appearon the New Zealand Immigration long-term skill shortage list.Corrections partnershipWe have been working with the Department of Corrections since2008 to help them achieve their aims of reducing re-offendingby providing prisoners with increased post-release employmentpotential. Our relationship has grown since then and now, as wellas delivering trades training at Rimutaka Prison in purpose-builtfacilities, we also moderate and manage Corrections’ own deliveryof training at other prisons around the country and support otherITPs’ delivery of trades and technical training for the Department ofCorrections through the use of WelTec’s programmes of study. Overthe last four years this training has extended from the initial offeringof painting and decorating and small motor automotive, to nowinclude carpentry, brick and block laying and engineering.WelTec tutors teach technical skills in the prison workshopssupported by Corrections custodial officers. Overall coursecompletion rates are as good, and often better, than those ofcomparable programmes delivered at WelTec’s main campus. Onrelease many of these students have continued on with their studies,obtaining apprenticeships or going into work for themselves.We are pleased to be able to help the Department of Correctionsachieve their objectives to reduce the rate of re-offending, tocontribute to positive employment outcomes and a more positivefuture for former inmates as they re-integrate into communities.Meeting emerging demandsIn 2012 we continued to recruit and train the tradespeople that willbe needed to rebuild Christchurch. As the closest training providerto Christchurch, we are in a good position to meet the demand forskilled tradespeople who are willing to move. Later in this report wego into more detail about how we have done that.Along with our Strategic Partner, Whitireia, there has also beenthe opportunity to support the Government’s Pasifika TradesStrategy with scholarships for students of Pacific Island descentto learn construction and other trades skills. We have done this incollaboration with the Pacific Island community, in a uniquely Pacificway, with outstanding results.It is just such strong connections with industry, communities andpolicy makers that put WelTec in a good position to meet current andfuture education and training needs. We have done that well in 2012and have sound plans in place to continue in the future.AcknowledgementOur values of challenge, empathy and growth which we applied inour approach to work and to students learning saw us succeed in2012. I would like to thank the Executive Management Team andall my colleagues at WelTec for supporting the Institution and I lookforward to new challenges in 2013.Dr. Linda SissonsCNZM2012 ANNUAL REPORT | 25