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Redesign of the Vocational Education and Training System

The government is progressing with its planned redesign of the vocational education and training (VET) system to better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy.

What’s happening?

The Government is moving forward with its plans to disestablish the current Workforce Development Councils and establish new Industry Skills Boards (ISBs).

The eight Industry Skills Boards will begin operating from 1 January 2026 once the legislation is passed later this year. They will also temporarily manage work-based training currently overseen by Te Pūkenga. Backed by industry consultation, they will cover:

  • Automotive, Transport, and Logistics
  • Construction and Specialist Trades
  • Food and Fibre (including aquaculture)
  • Infrastructure
  • Manufacturing and Engineering
  • Services
  • Health and Community
  • Electrotechnology and Information Technology

Minister Simmonds explains that:

“The ISBs will be led by industry experts who know their trades and sectors best. They will set training standards, oversee quality, and make sure apprenticeships and traineeships match what employers and students need.”

Industry Skills Boards will have three main funding sources. They will receive some core public funding, they can choose to charge fees to fund their quality assurance functions, and industries can also choose to support ISBs through a levy.

The plan also includes re-establishing financially sustainable regional polytechnics and changes to the work-based learning (WBL) model. More information can be found below or on the MOE or TEC websites.

This page is your hub of information for the latest announcements, consultations and links to key sources to support your understanding of and transition to the new system.

Decisions on work-based learning model

The Minister for Vocational Education announced on 24 April an industry-led independent work-based learning model.

The key aspects are:

  • Any qualified provider (institutes of technology and polytechnics, private training establishments, wānanga) can offer work-based learning, managing all aspects of apprenticeships and traineeships.
  • Industry Skills Boards will be established from 1 January 2026 to develop qualifications and standards, endorse programmes, and provide workforce analysis.

The transition of this model will see Te Pūkenga’s work-based learning divisions transfer to Industry Skills Boards for up to two years, ensuring continuity in training.

This model aims to enhance vocational education by involving industry more directly.

For more information, and to sign up to one of their webinars, see the TEC page: New work-based learning model.

Supporting our people and industries

Here at Hanga-Aro-Rau we are working hard to support the 82,000 businesses we represent. We’re continuing to advocate for the needs and opportunities for Māori, Pacific peoples, women, disabled people, and other underserved communities, whose needs must be considered in the new system design. To help ensure everyone has the opportunity to have their voice heard, we can offer support.
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