On 1 August the Government announced its proposals for disestablishing the Workforce Development Councils (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.

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.

If you have any questions on the Toi Mai submission, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]

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 with the TEC and MoE
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