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:
- 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.
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.