On the 1st of August consultation began on the future of Vocational Education and Training in New Zealand. Industry voice is vital in building a system that develops a skilled and future-proofed workforce that meets the needs of both industry and learners. The deadline of 12 September for submissions to the Government on the future of the vocation education system is fast approaching and we strongly encourage you to take this opportunity to advocate for the needs of your industry by making a submission.
What is being proposed?
The consultation document sets out three key proposals:
- Proposal 1: A return to a regional Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITP) network that would see a combination of stand-alone ITPs and others joined in a federation model. This delivers on the Minister’s promise to disestablish Te Pukenga.
- Proposal 2: Two options for an industry-led system for standards-setting and industry training:
Option A – replace Workforce Development Councils with a small number (possibly up to 8) of Industry Training Boards, similar to the Industry Training Organisation system. These ITBs would also be responsible for arranging industry training (including apprenticeships).
Option B – replace Workforce Development Councils with a small number (possibly up to 8) of scaled down, industry-specific standards-setting bodies. This would keep standard setting independent from arranging industry training, and would allow other providers (such as VHNZ) to continue to arrange industry training (including apprenticeships).
- Proposal 3: Proposed changes to vocational education and training funding from 2026 to realign funding to support the reformed system. One of the proposals is to reduce funding for work-based training.
For more information read the full consultation documents:
2024 Vocational education and training reforms - Education in New Zealand
Regulatory Impact Statement Template (education.govt.nz)
Still have questions?
TEC still has a number of online webinars scheduled, you can register to attend a session at Consultation on proposed changes to the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system | Tertiary Education Commission (tec.govt.nz)
On Thursday, 5 September at 12 midday Waihanga Ara Rau Workforce Development Council will host an online meeting for those in the Construction and Infrastructure industries to answer any questions you might have. The meeting invite is here.
Or reach out to our Chief Academic Officer, Evelyn Moody at evelyn.moody@vhnz.co.nz.
Have your say!
It is essential that industry voice is heard during this consultation process, so that your workforce needs are part of the decision making for the future of vocational education and training in New Zealand.
To make it easier, the Ministry of Education has made it possible to provide feedback in a range of ways – by survey, using the submission template or via email in a format that suits you. While there are a number of consultation questions across the three core proposals you can choose which questions you answer (and you can ignore the ones you aren’t interested in).
Waihanga Ara Rau have put together a helpful guidance document on how to complete your submission, which can be accessed here:
VET consultation submission support - Waihanga Ara Rau
You must act fast as submissions close 12 September 2024.
For now, everything remains business as usual for VHNZ, so please reach out to the team if we can help you in any way with your training needs or if you would like support in making your submission.