Industry training plays a crucial role in developing a skilled workforce and making sure that individuals get the best possible opportunities to learn and advance their career, while developing a skilled workforce for their industries.
The government is currently consulting on the future structure of the vocational, education and training sector. The proposed plan for the future of vocational education and training system in New Zealand outlines two options for the future of industry training.
Proposals for feedback:
1. A redesigned Polytechnic (ITP) network to respond to regional needs
- Re-establish autonomous regional ITPs.
- Create a Federation to support ITPs that require academic and financial support to enable regional delivery.
- Supporting a thriving network that is responsive to regional needs.
2. Two options for Industry-led system
- Option 1:
- Establish a small number of Industry Training Boards, similar to the previous Industry Training Organisations.
- The Boards would be responsible for existing training programmes and have responsibility for standard setting, qualification development and strategic workforce planning.
- Option 2:
- Establish stand alone industry-led bodies responsible for standard setting including qualification development, workforce forecasting, and ensuring that provision meets industry needs.
- Former ITOs would move into new standalone providers.
- ITPs, private providers and wananga would continue to be able to offer industry training.
3. Changes to the funding system
- 2025: Stop the Strategic Component Fund and increase provider funding by 10%.
- From 2026: Reprioritise funding from work-based learning to fund standard-setting separately to arranging training; establish funding arrangements for ITPs to engage with regional industries and international education.
Have your say:
- Email: your feedback directly to VocationalEducation.Reforms@education.govt.nz.
- Download and fill out the submission template, and email it to VocationalEducation.Reforms@education.govt.nz.
- Online: Vocational Education and Training Reforms consultation submission: Fill out a submission form and submit it online.
Dates:
- 1 August – 12 September 2024 – Consultation period to have your say on the proposed VET structure and what you believe is the best VET structure for New Zealand.
Public Consultation Meetings
Face-to-face meetings have now been scheduled for Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, Greymouth, Northland and Nelson.