Empowering the Future Workforce
With Leonie Rasmussen, Director of Southern Campuses at Ara Institute of Canterbury
Timaru’s population and workforce dynamics are undergoing a transformation. An aging population, a declining birth rate, and increasing ethnic diversity are reshaping how we envision the future. The Towards 2050 plan acknowledges these challenges and sees within them significant opportunities, particularly in workforce development and education.
Leonie Rasmussen, Director of Southern Campuses at Ara Institute of Canterbury, is at the forefront of this change. She witnesses firsthand how education can be a catalyst for inclusive economic growth across the region.
“Attracting and retaining youth in our community starts with showcasing what already makes Timaru special,” Leonie explains. “Those who stay love that it’s big enough to have all the main facilities, yet small enough to feel like they’re still part of a supportive community.”
Key attractions such as affordability, access to the outdoors, and a strong community spirit continue to draw young people. A growing calendar of events such as Brews on the Bay, Stafford Street Art Classes, the Multicultural International Festival, and high-profile sporting events also helps meet social expectations and adds to the vibrancy of life in the district.
However, Leonie emphasises that lifestyle alone won’t shape the future. Timaru must also offer meaningful employment opportunities, and it does. Ara is proactively creating pathways to prepare learners for the jobs of tomorrow.
“Our sector/taster days and dual-enrolment programmes are a great way for students to explore career options, increase motivation, and make informed decisions,” says Leonie. “We understand that finding the right path can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to support that journey.”
Ara’s curriculum is evolving to meet modern workforce demands. “While we stay ahead of the technical skills needed across industries, we place equal emphasis on soft skills like adaptability, teamwork, and strong communication,” Leonie adds. For example, Ara’s mechanical engineering programme now incorporates advanced digital equipment to align student learning with automation and smart manufacturing.
Access is also expanding through flexible learning. The Diploma in Primary Industries, delivered virtually, allows rural workers across the South Island to upskill in leadership and business practices regardless of location. Ara also specialises in evaluating on-the-job training programmes and creating pathways for workers to gain recognised qualifications. Ara also specialises in evaluating on-the-job training programmes and creating pathways for workers to gain recognised qualifications. One such initiative, developed in collaboration with a national laboratory science company, was the award-winning delivery of the NZ Diploma in Applied Science (Pre-Analytical Technician Pathway). The programme improved staff retention while enabling entry-level workers to gain a recognised qualification.
The “learning and earning” model, a cornerstone of vocational education and apprenticeships continues to prove successful. It allows individuals to gain NZQA-recognised qualifications while working, blending real-world experience with formal education. This approach not only supports skill development but also eases financial pressure and accelerates financial independence.
As Timaru looks toward 2050, Leonie believes that success lies in a collective commitment to strengthening the connections between education, industry, and community.