The Government has released its decision on the redesign of the work-based learning system.
In a media release on 24 April 2025, Hon. Penny Simmonds, the Minister for Vocational Education, said that the chosen model will be independent and industry-led. She said that this model will enable vocational education and training providers to manage all aspects of an apprenticeship or traineeship at an industry level, rather than from a centralised body.
From 1 January 2026:
- New Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) will be set up to set training standards, endorse programmes, and moderate assessments.
- Apprentices and trainees currently with Te Pūkenga will move to the ISBs for up to two years.
- New students will enrol directly with new work-based learning private providers, polytechnics, or Wānanga.
- ISBs will be able to enrol new learners until other providers are set up to deliver work-based learning.
A consultation held by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) on a proposed model for the number and coverage of Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) closed on 20 May. We expect the decisions to be released by the middle of the year. A legislative process will then follow to establish the Industry Skills Boards.
MITO will work alongside industry to move towards an industry-owned entity.
For our industries, employers, apprentices, and learners, it is business as usual. Your MITO Training Advisor continues to provide the same level of service you have come to expect.
We will continue to provide updates on this page as the details around this new work-based learning model are worked out. If you have any comments or questions for MITO, please email us at info@mito.org.nz.