New Zealand’s independent tertiary education group UP Education has acquired the country’s largest provider of early childhood education, New Zealand Tertiary College.
Educating more than 3,000 students annually, NZTC trains future early childhood education professionals at bachelor degrees and graduate diplomas levels, as well as healthcare professionals.
“NZTC is a clear leader in ECE teacher education with an excellent reputation”
“NZTC is a clear leader in ECE teacher education with an excellent reputation, a strong culture and a long history of delivering outstanding student outcomes,” UP Education group chief executive officer, Mark Rushworth, said in a statement.
“Bringing NZTC into the UP Education group builds on our strategy to be a leading education provider in industry sectors with strong employment opportunities for students,” he explained.
UP Education looks forward to continuing to deliver for the early childhood education and health and wellbeing sectors, Rushworth added – NZTC is also currently educating 500 in its Health Assistant study programs ranging from Level 2 to Level 4.
NZTC offers online, college-based and blended learning and provides courses to international students in both New Zealand in globally, via its NZTC Global arm.
“For almost 40 years, NZTC has been committed to high-quality teacher education for the Early Childhood Education sector,” Selena Fox, chief executive of NZTC noted.
“With the sector facing significant teacher shortages, NZTC is committed to continuing to play a critical role in meeting the needs of the sector and supporting the government’s focus increasing the number of qualified early childhood teachers.
“Additionally, we are meeting the needs of increasing demand in the healthcare sector for skilled healthcare assistants. Enrolments for NZTC Health and Wellbeing programmes have risen 60% in the past 12 months, and we have strong relationships with key industry employers to transition these students into the workforce.”
NZTC will retain its leadership and teaching and support staff, as well as its name and brand.
UP Education rebranded in 2019, and the acquisition of NZTC brings its annual enrolment to around 13,500 students across its campuses.
