Latest update

On 20 December 2024, the Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills made an announcement on the redesign of the vocational education and training system.  

Key takeouts from the Minister’s announcement:  

• The WDCs will continue at least until the end of 2025.  

• The WDCs will be replaced by six–eight new Industry Skills Boards (ISBs).  

• The number and configuration of the ISBs is to be decided.  

• The ISB functions look to be similar to those the WDCs perform now – national standards setting (qualification, credentials and standards development, programme endorsement), workforce planning/strategic skills forecasting and advice to the Tertiary Education Commission.  

ISB functions – Options B and C  

Following industry feedback, the Minister is undertaking a short, targeted consultation with selected stakeholders on two options for ISB functions – Option B (from the first reform proposal) and following industry feedback a new Option C. Read the consultation document.  

The Minister will make a recommendation to Cabinet in late April 2025.  

What’s next for Toi Mai and its industries?  

Amplifying the industry voice is an essential part of WDCs’ work. Toi Mai will continue to advocate to ensure our industries are included in the new VET system.  

We anticipate there will be two more opportunities for you to feed into the Government’s VET system decision-making:  

• on the configuration and number of new ISBs (post-April 2025)  

• during the legislative process to set up the new ISBs (post-October 2025).  

During this reform and transition process, we also remain committed to delivering our work programme to grow the skills that will see our industries thrive.  

Read more about the reforms including our August 2024 update.

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 ISB options B and C
Late Apr 2025	Cabinet decision on Option B or C expected
Apr – Oct 2025	Legislation to establish ISBs goes through Select Committee, including number and configuration (opportunity for industry feedback)
Post Oct 2025	Legislation to set up ISBs (opportunity for industry feedback)
2026	ISBs replace WDCs and new VET system comes into place

 

More information

Targeted consultation document – Options for the Future of Work-based Learning – 27 January 2025

Minister’s media release – 20 December 2024

Toi Mai submission on the Government’s proposed reform of the VET system – 12 September 2024

Toi Mai and TEC industry webinar on proposed changes – 23 August 2024

Feedback  

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]