New leader for Kāpuhipuhi Wellington Uni-Professional
Seasoned Chief Executive John Milford has been confirmed in a new role leading Kāpuhipuhi Wellington Uni-Professional, which delivers Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s non-degree teaching.
Mr Milford, who recently stepped down from the role of Chief Executive of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, took up his new position this week. He has been a board member of Wellington Uni-Professional since its establishment in 2020.
Wellington Uni-Professional provides non-degree short courses and micro-credentials— tailored short, credentialed bites of learning to meet workplace and industry capability needs.
In its first year, the 100 percent University-owned subsidiary has completed a thorough market validation exercise to understand the professional development needed in the market and is expanding the number (off a base of 250) of programmes and courses it offers for business and organisations in New Zealand and overseas.
Te Herenga Waka Provost Professor Wendy Larner said the University is delighted to have Mr Milford lead its non-degree teaching entity.
“His extensive experience in both profit-making and non-profit organisations in key management roles will be of enormous benefit to us and will ensure that Wellington Uni-Professional maintains the momentum it has gathered during its first year,” she said.
John Milford says, “My career in business has shown me there is a pressing need for ongoing upskilling of employees in a fast-moving labour-short market. Businesses and employees understand investing in learning delivers on going benefits to both parties.
“Wellington Uni-Professional’s approach of partnering with others to deliver the training that they need is a great model. Businesses get a course that meets their specific needs, with input from top academic minds and the reassurance that the qualification meets rigorous academic standards.”
The Chair of Wellington Uni-Professional’s board Dame Karen Poutasi also welcomed Mr Milford’s appointment. “We are experiencing steady growth in demand for our services in partnering to develop tailor-made training in a range of areas. John’s background makes him an outstanding person to lead us in this endeavour.”