Latest update

On 20 December 2024, the Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills released the decisions regarding the redesign of the vocational education and training system – following the recent consultation process.

The implications for Workforce Development Councils (WDCs), in particular, are:

• the standard setting functions currently delivered by WDCs will be taken over by Industry Skills Boards
• To ensure the design meets the needs of industry, a targeted consultation will take place on two work-based learning options
• Information on these options and a targeted consultation process will be provided to industry bodies in January 2025.
• WDCs will continue to operate in the interim.

Amplifying industry voice is an essential part of WDCs; Toi Mai remains committed to ensuring input from its industries are actively sought. We will continue to do this as we transition into the new structure.

We have greatly valued the trusting relationships that we have built to date and know that we can count on your support as we manage this transition together.

Read the full statement of the Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills on the Beehive website.

If you have any Toi Mai specific questions about the redesign of the vocational education and training system, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]

Background

On 1 August 2024, the Government announced its proposals for disestablishing the WDCs and Te Pūkenga and instigated a six-week consultation period in which it is seeking feedback on three parts of the vocational education system:

• A redesigned Institute of Technology and Polytechnic (ITP) network that retains access to ITP provision in regions, through a combination of stand-alone and a federation of ITPs
• Options for an industry-led system for standards-setting and industry training (disestablishing and replacing WDCs with industry bodies, and deprioritising cultural, recreation, creative and tech industries)
• Changes to vocational education funding from 2026 to better support the reformed system.

Consultation closed on 12 September 2024.

What does this mean for Toi Mai and its industries?

Below is a letter from the Toi Mai Board Co-chairs, CEO and Poumatua with more details:

Read the letter to stakeholders.

Toi Mai has since provided a submission which relates largely to the options within Proposal 2 – Establishing an industry-led system for standards-setting and industry training.

Read the Toi Mai submission.

Toi Mai industry webinar

Toi Mai hosted a webinar for industry and key stakeholders to hear from the Tertiary Education Commission on the proposals for vocational education reform, including options for the replacement of workforce development councils.

The purpose of the webinar was to outline the proposed changes and why it is important to provide feedback on this consultation.

Click on the video below to watch the webinar and listen in on the important kōrero.

 

Key dates

1 August 2024	Consultation opens
23 August 2024	Toi Mai industry webinar
12 September 2024	Consultation closes
October – December 2024	Decisions to be taken and confirmed, with recommendations to cabinet end of November
January – June 2025	Legislative process will occur
1 January 2026	New system comes into effect