Consultation on proposed changes to the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system

On 31 July 2024, the Government announced that it would consult on proposed changes to vocational education and training (VET).

The initial consultation period ran from 1 August to 12 September 2024.

As part of our commitment to supporting New Zealand’s vocational education system, Competenz submitted our official response to the Vocational Education and Training(VET) consultation.

In late December 2024, the Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, Hon. Penny Simmonds, announced an update regarding the ongoing redesign of the vocational education and training (VET) system. Click here to read the latest press release.

Key decisions announced

1. Disestablishment of Te Pūkenga and Workforce Development Councils (WDCs)

These entities will be replaced to streamline operations and enhance regional responsiveness and industry engagement.
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2. Establishment of Industry Skills Boards (ISBs)

ISBs will oversee:

National standard-setting (qualifications, credentials, and academic assurance)

Advisory functions to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC).

3.Creation of a more agile network of Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs)

ITPs will operate independently or within federations, focusing on the core delivery of vocational education.

Next steps

A targeted industry consultation is scheduled for February 2025 to discuss the future of work-based learning, focusing on two proposed options:

Option B: Building on the current system

ISBs to be the standard setter, with the functions listed above.
Providers (polytechnics, Wānanga, private training establishments) to manage delivery.
Te Pūkenga’s work-based learning divisions to become standalone entities. The number of entities and industry coverage is yet to be agreed upon.

Option C: A new option under consideration

ISBs to be standard setter, coordinating national training and pastoral care for learners and employers
Providers to manage enrolment, training materials, assessments, and off-job training.
Te Pūkenga’s work-based learning divisions to be disestablished, redistributing current functions and resources to ISBs and providers.

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Competenz will actively monitor development and provide further updates as more details emerge.

Please visit the TEC website for information about the consultation. As well as the Ministry of Education (MOE) website.