A two-day induction event kicks off today for 54 industry leaders and innovators who will play a vital role in ensuring New Zealand’s vocational education system is fit for the needs of today – and tomorrow.

Attendees are members of the six new Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) formally established in May, which are a keystone change of the Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE) programme. Full bios of the WDC Council members are on the TEC website.

Every industry in Aotearoa New Zealand is covered by one of the WDCs:

• Hanga-Aro-Rau – Manufacturing, Engineering and Logistics
• Waihanga Ara Rau – Construction and Infrastructure
• Muka Tangata – People, Food and Fibre
• Toi Mai – Creative, Cultural, Recreation and Technology
• Community, Health, Education and Social Services
• Services Industries.

The induction event is being held at Te Wharewaka on Wellington’s waterfront and allows the members to meet each other, some for the first time, while setting them up for success in their new roles.

They will also meet Education Minister Hon Chris Hipkins.

“We’ve organised this hui as an opportunity to welcome the new Council members to their role, for them to meet each other to kōrero, and to learn more about the WDCs’ purpose, functions and mandate,” said Tim Fowler.

The Council members are among the best in their industry or speciality field, and were chosen to lead transformational change, he said.

“We want to ensure they’re fully informed, and can hit the ground running – that they’re able to make decisions to support a fast-start for their WDC.

“That includes a commitment to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and support Māori–Crown relationships.

“Because of their knowledge and understanding of the future skills needs of industry, they will ensure industry achieves greater influence over what and how vocational training is delivered.

“They’ll do this by influencing government investment, setting skills standards and playing a leadership role across their respective industries.

“The WDCs are a fundamental part of the transformation of vocational education and will help deliver a system that meets the needs of industry and employers both now and in the future.”