The Government has put the needs of industry at the top of its new tertiary education strategy.
Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce launched the strategy on Wednesday, saying it has a stronger focus on the outcomes of tertiary education.
Its first priority is delivering skills for industry, followed by getting at-risk young people into careers and improving the achievement of Maori and Pasifika people.
The Tertiary Education Union says the strategy is too narrow, but lobby group Business New Zealand says it focuses on the skills needed for a healthy economy.
The strategy outlines the Government's expectations of tertiary education institutions for the next five years.
