Canvas is accessible only within New Zealand and Australia.
Canvas is accessible only within New Zealand and Australia.
Late last year the Government consulted on two work-based learning options, with one proposal for only standards-setting bodies able to arrange industry training, with providers supporting off-job training, and one similar to the current model, with providers arranging and delivering work-based learning.
Following this consultation, another option was developed. The new option gives industry skills boards the pastoral care role for work-based learners, while providers continue to arrange and deliver work-based learning.
1. Disestablishment of Te Pūkenga and Workforce Development Councils (WDCs)
These entities will be replaced to improve operational efficiency and better respond to regional and industry needs.
2. Establishment of Industry Skills Boards (ISBs)
ISBs will oversee standard-setting to include qualifications and standards development, provide investment advice, and manage academic assurance for vocational education.
3.Reintroduction of a more agile network of Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs)
These ITPs will focus on delivering vocational education, either independently or within federations.
Building on these changes, the Government has initiated a targeted consultation with industry on work-based learning, which began on Monday, 27 January 2025. This consultation is focused towards specific stakeholders, such as organisations and associations representing key industries that utilise work-based learning to train their staff.
The consultation seeks feedback on two proposed models for managing work-based learning:
1. Independent Model
Providers manage all aspects of education and training, with ISBs focused solely on setting standards as Workforce Development Councils do today. In this model it is likely that Competenz would transition out of Te Pūkenga into a PTE (or similar) with staff, programmes, and assets relatively intact. It is possible for industry to own and govern these new entities. In this delivery model, the learner / employer relationship is one to one with the training provider, as it is today.
2. Collaborative Model
Providers oversee education delivery, while ISBs manage pastoral care of the learners, in addition to setting standards and other core functions.
In this model current Work Based Learning Divisions like Competenz would be disestablished; with some staff and assets shifting to the ISB to complete the pastoral care function for the learner. Others may shift into the local polytech for education delivery. In this model the learner / employer relationship is one to many as ISBs would perform part of the learners support, with the local polytech (or other providers) performing the balance of delivery.
Competenz, alongside our Strategic Advisory Board, have now submitted our feedback as part of this consultation.
The consultation material can be found on the Ministry of Education (MOE) website. Please visit the TEC website for more information.
