Proposed changes to the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system

On April 24^th 2025,  the Government announced a decision on the future system for vocational education and training (VET) within New Zealand as they continue to work toward the disestablishment of Te Pūkenga.

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Minister's Press Release – you can read herstatement here: A Better Path for Apprentices and Trainees.

Key points

The government is introducing a new, independent, and industry-led model for work-based learning. Industry will be the deciders for where their training is to be delivered.

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From 1 January 2026:

• New Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) will be set up to set training standards, endorse programmes and moderate assessments.
• ISBs will also have a workforce analysis function for their sectors and provide investment advice to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC).
• These will be industry led, with a Board of 8 members, 6 from industry and 2 ministerial appointments. Please see below for further details on the latest industry consultation on ISBs. 

Work-based learning divisions of Te Pūkenga

• Competenz, as a work-based learning division of Te Pūkenga, will transfer into an ISB  as a separate division of the ISB.
  • Apprentices and trainees currently with Te Pūkenga work-based learning divisions will      move to the ISBs for up to two years.
  • ISBs will be able to enrol new learners until other providers are set up to  deliver work-based learning or by 30 June 2027.
  • It is expected that during this period, industry-led private training enterprises could be established to take over delivery from the  work-based learning divisions, and ITPs and wānanga could also establish new work-based learning programmes.
  • Industry will make the decision on who will be delivering work-based learning programmes and whether a new PTE is to be established or learners transitioned to an existing PTE/ITP.
 
• Work-based learning can be offered by any provider that meets the government’s quality and funding requirements: institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs), private training establishments (PTEs) and wānanga.
• Providers will manage all aspects of an apprenticeship or traineeship, including the pastoral care for learners.

What this means for now

There is no immediate disruption. Trainees and apprentices can continue their training programmes as usual.

What is still to be announced

• The  number or industry configuration of the Industry Skills Boards, this will be decided in June after consultation.
• Which  private providers or polytechnics will be offering work-based learning training programmes for our industries.

The Consultation for Industry Skills Board Coverage is now open

As part of the decision to redesign the system for industry training, the Government has decided to disestablish the current WorkforceDevelopment Councils and establish new Industry Skills Boards (ISBs).

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The redesign proposes setting up seven ISBs, including aseparate ISB for Infrastructure industries.

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You can read the full proposal here: Government Proposal on ISB coverage

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The Government is seeking feedback on the proposed ISB coverage which is open until 5pm 20th May. You can fill out the survey and have your say here: ISB Coverage Survey.

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We will continue to update this page as more information becomes available.