30 April 2025

The Government has released its decision on the redesign of the work-based learning system. 

In a media release, 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:

  1. New Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) will be set up to set training standards, endorse programmes, and moderate assessments.
  2. Apprentices and trainees currently with Te Pūkenga will move to the ISBs for up to two years.
  3. New students will enrol directly with new work-based learning private providers, polytechnics, or Wānanga.
  4. ISBs will be able to enrol new learners until other providers are set up to deliver work-based learning.

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) has begun consultation on a proposed model for the number and coverage of Industry Skills Boards (ISBs). Seven Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) are proposed to cover these broad areas:

  • Automotive industries
  • Construction industries
  • Infrastructure industries
  • Food and fibre industries
  • Service industries
  • Manufacturing and technology industries
  • Social and community industries.

You can read the consultation document here.

The TEC is holding a series of webinars on these proposals in early May—as this consultation will directly impact the future of work-based learning for New Zealand’s automotive sector, we encourage you to register for a webinar to find out more. 

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.