Yesterday  I spoke to the Skilled Migrant class at Victoria University. In the room were a dozen or so people who had come to New Zealand as people with skills  that we need- IT engineers,  industrial scientists, business managers, HR specialists.  They do this programme to help develop their communication skills and knowledge of New Zealand business practice.  They get mentored by business people (volunteers through the Rotary Club of Wellington), do work placements and generally get ‘match fit’ for working in New Zealand.  The programme is very successful- graduates in recent years have over an 80% employment rate.

But  next year will see the end of the Migrant Study Grant that has allowed the course to operate. Along with the Refugee Study Grant which opens tertiary study opportunities to refugees the fund was cut in this years Budget.  Also the ESOL Assessment Service that helps place people in these courses has been cut. The cuts have not had the publicity of the similarly pernicious cuts to night classes.  They don’t effect as many people, and they dont kick in til next year, but they are just as short-sighted.  For the sake of a $2million we are limiting the potential of our newest New Zealanders.  They have a great deal of skill that will benefit our society and economy, and but for a small opportunity we will hold them back.

Here is what Prof John Prebble had to say about the Skilled Migrant course in 2007

It is probably true to say that there is no other programme at Victoria University where government funding and voluntary help are so heavily engaged. But there can be no doubt that the effort is worthwhile. Each course lasts only 12 weeks. And yet participants who for at least two years, often much longer, have failed to make any progress in mounting the employment ladder are radically transformed. Many arrive at the course close to giving up hope. Yet within weeks of graduation most are in demanding employment that calls on their skills, experience, and education. Within months the larger part of the remainder are also employed. It is rare for any educational programme to see such dramatic and tangible results in such a short time. The success of the programme is a matter of great satisfaction to both Victoria University and the Rotary Club of Wellington.

This is an easy one for Mrs Tolley.  Please, go  and visit the programme, talk to the graduates, see the contribution they are making.  And do the right thing and give these people a chance to achieve their potential.