More Govt stupidity

The Institute of IT Professionals writes:

Our sector has been advocating very heavily for either IT/digital tech as a standalone WDC, or IT and Engineering as a joint one. Engineering has many of the same structures and challenges as IT, and it makes perfect sense to look after both under one umbrella. We both have very distinct needs that are different from many other industries and if Government is serious about supporting our industry growth, then they need to get this right.

Our industry spoke with one voice, with the heads of the three main tech industry bodies signing a proposal to establish a WDC in a way that would benefit our industry. This was also signed by the head of CITRENZ, the group of heads of computing schools in all polytechnics who offer IT-related qualifications, following a unanimous vote supporting an IT WDC at their last heads of school meeting.

A WDC is a Workplace Development Council which will create qualifications and educational standards.

So WDCs were established to serve their industries. Our industry spoke with one voice and outlined what would work for us and why. But instead, our industry’s concerns have been ignored and IT has been bundled into a WDC including:

Manufacturing and processing, extractives and drilling, transport (including heavy and commercial), postal, warehousing, engineering, and information and communications technology (development and systems engineering) industries

So the group setting qualifications and standards for IT / digital technologies will be the same group that looks after drilling, truck drivers, warehousing, postal workers, aviation, dairy processing, seafood processing and more.

It’s bizarre. The same Council will set qualification standards for IT professionals and seafood processors!