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Future of vocational education for construction and infrastructure

What matters to industry matters to us

The Minister for Vocational Education has announced further decisions regarding work-based learning.

These decisions are outlined in this letter (dated 24 April 2025). 

Summary of key points:

  • Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) will be set up from 1 January 2026 and will be statutory standard setting bodies. They will be responsible for developing qualifications, endorsing programmes and moderating assessments over key industry sectors.
  • ISBs will also have a workforce analysis function for their sectors and provide investment advice to the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC).
  • As a transition arrangement, the Work-based Learning (WBL) divisions of Te Pūkenga will be temporarily managed by the ISBs for up to two years.
  • There is an opportunity for new industry-owned Private Training Establishments (PTEs) to be established, offering work-based learning.
  • Other providers (Polytechs, training providers, wānanga etc) will be able to do other work-based training.
  • TEC is hosting informational webinars about this and you can register to attend at New work-based learning model | Tertiary Education Commission

Further information

New work-based learning model | Tertiary Education Commission

A better path for apprentices and trainees | Beehive.govt.nz

What happens next

Consultation on the number of ISBs and their coverage begins today and ends on 20 May. Download and read TEC’s consultation document.
TEC is hosting webinars on the consultation that you can register to attend at Consultation on Industry Skills Boards’ coverage | Tertiary Education Commission
TEC is also inviting industries to nominate representatives to help establish Industry Skills Boards. Each ISB will have an Establishment Advisory Group consisting of three members. Candidates will need strong governance and change management skills, an industry-specific background, and a solid understanding of education and training. Nominations are being sought by 13 June 2025. Help establish Industry Skills Boards | Tertiary Education Commission

 

We remain focused on supporting the construction and infrastructure sectors

We will continue to deliver our core statutory functions throughout 2025. These include:

  • qualifications development
  • moderation
  • workforce planning
  • providing investment advice to the Tertiary Education Commission.

As the vocational education and training system continues to evolve, we are reviewing how to best align our work with available funding and ensure continuity in key priority areas. 

We anticipate a reduction in funding from 1 July 2025, which will affect the scope of our delivery. As a result, some areas of work may be scaled back or discontinued.

We remain committed to delivering clear value to the sector. We will provide further details on our work programme up to the end of 2025, including key outputs and transition milestones, as more information becomes available.

The government intends to make further announcements over the coming weeks and months. We will continue to engage constructively and convey any new information to you as it becomes available. 

We will provide clear information on what we will deliver up to 31 December 2025, including key outputs and transition milestones.

Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please don’t hesitate to contact us.