b'
There are hopes the end of the polytech amalgamation can happen smoothly. \\xa0
\\nThe Government has halted the plan which would consolidate 16 polytechnics and nine workplace training providers. \\xa0
\\nTertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds \\u2014herself a former chief executive of the Southern Institute of Technology\\u2014 says they\'re looking at having eight to ten\\xa0providers total.\\xa0
\\nShe told Mike Hosking that a key part of the process will be looking after those most affected by any changes. \\xa0
\\nSimmonds says they will need to make sure students are kept safe.\\xa0
\\nLISTEN ABOVE\\xa0
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'