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Background: Redesign of the vocational education and training (VET) system

Read the latest update on the work-based learning reforms

Our cultural, creative, technology and recreation industries are critical to ensuring Aotearoa has a highly productive and innovative economy – now and in the future.

The following summarises the important milestones in the Government’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) system reform process, with links to key documents and the Toi Mai response. Key dates, including upcoming opportunities to provide feedback to the government are published at the end.

 

Government consultation begins – August 2024

On 1 August 2024, the Government announced its proposal for disestablishing the six Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) and Te Pūkenga, It started a six-week consultation period 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.

Vocational education reform consultation begins | Beehive.govt.nz

2024 Vocational education and training reforms – Ministry of Education (consultation)

Toi Mai response

Read the letter to stakeholders

Read the Toi Mai submission

Industry webinar

On 23 August 2024, Toi Mai hosted a webinar for industry and key stakeholders to hear from the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) on the proposals for vocational education reform, including options for the replacement of workforce development councils.

VET reform decision announced – December 2024

On 20 December, the Government announced the redesign of the VET system.

We learnt that the six WDCs would be replaced by six to eight new Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) on 1 January 2026, the number and configuration of which was to be decided.

The Minister then undertook a short, targeted consultation with selected stakeholders on two options for ISB functions.

Consultation on Industry Skills Boards’ coverage – April 2025

On 24 April 2025, the Government announced it was seeking feedback on the configuration and number of ISBs and released a proposal to support the consultation process. Consultation closes on 20 May.

It proposed seven ISBs to manage standards setting and associated functions within the VET education and training system. Industries not allocated an ISB (including Creative and IT) would shift to the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

TEC Consultation Document ISB Coverage

ISB coverage consultation survey

Minister’s announcement – 24 April

Toi Mai response

We are encouraging stakeholders to make a submission to ensure they have a say in shaping the future of the VET system and don’t lose leadership oversight of industry skills training.

Key issues that Toi Mai and industry need to address in submissions include:

  • Advocate for Creative and Technology industries to be allocated to an ISB and not NZQA – the important Creative industries (including ngā Toi Māori, screen, theatre, graphic design, game development, live music and performance) and Digital and Information Technology are not included in the ISBs, and would go to NZQA, meaning qualifications and other formal training will be less responsive to industry needs than in traditional, lower-growth industries such as the automotive industry.
  • Point out that numerous subsectors are missing from the proposal, including content creation, journalism, floristry, event & entertainment technology, audio engineering, piano tuning, libraries, records & archives, conservation.
  • If industries have been allocated an ISB – is it the right one?

Toi Mai information

Latest update on the VET reforms: Consultation on Industry Skills Boards’ coverage – Toi Mai – 29 April 2025

Special pānui to support stakeholders with their submissions – 8 May 2025

ISB Establishment Advisory Groups – call for nominations

On 28 April 2025, the TEC invited industries to nominate representatives to help establish the ISBs. Each ISB will have an Establishment Advisory Group (EAG) consisting of three members. Candidates need strong governance and change management skills, an industry background, and an understanding of education and training.

EAGs will be responsible for ensuring each ISB can successfully stand up on day one – 1 January 2026, including appointing a Chief Executive.

Help establish Industry Skills Boards | Tertiary Education Commission – information about the EAGs and a link to the nomination form.

Key dates

1 Aug 2024 Government VET reform consultation opens
12 Sept 2024 Government VET reform consultation closes
20 Dec 2024 Minister’s announcement on ISBs and next steps
Jan – Feb 2025 Minister’s targeted consultation on two options for ISB functions
24 Apr 2025 Minister announces ISB functions and the Tertiary Education Commission opens consultation on the number and configuration of the new ISBs
28 Apr 2025 TEC invites industries to nominate representatives to help establish the ISBs
Apr – Oct 2025 Legislation to establish ISBs goes through Select Committee, including number and configuration (opportunity for industry feedback)
20 May 2025 Consultation closes at 5pm, 20 May, on the number and configuration of the ISBs
13 Jun 2025 ISB Establishment Advisory Group nominations close
1 July 2025 Final decisions on the number and scope of ISBs expected to be announced by mid-year
Post Oct 2025 Legislation to set up ISBs (opportunity for industry feedback)
31 Dec 2025 WDCs disestablished
1 Jan 2026 ISBs replace WDCs and new VET system comes into place

Got a question?

If you have any Toi Mai specific questions about the Government’s work-based learning reforms, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]