Te Mahi Ako and Skills Active respond to the Government’s proposed VET reforms
On 1 August, the Government announced its proposals for changes to New Zealand’s vocational education and training (VET) system. These proposals aim to create a more industry-led, sustainable system that better aligns with the needs of employers, ākonga, and regional communities. The changes will impact how standards are set, how industry training is delivered, and how funding is allocated.
Overview of Proposed Reforms
The Government is asking for feedback on three key areas:
- Proposal 1: Redesign the Institute of Technology and Polytechnic (ITP) network, balancing regional access through stand-alone institutions and a federation of ITPs.
- Proposal 2: Options for an industry-led system for standards-setting and industry training, which include:
- Option A: Industry Training Boards (ITBs) that would oversee standards and manage industry training.
- Option B: Industry-Specific Standards-Setting Bodies to replace Workforce Development Councils.
- Proposal 3: Changes to vocational education funding from 2026, including reprioritising funding to support standard setting and provider-based learning.
You can find more details in the full consultation document here.
What this means for our employers and ākonga
As these changes take shape, it’s important to keep things running as usual. Employers, continue investing in your staff’s training—Skills Active and Te Mahi Ako are committed to ensuring the system works for you. Our ākonga can enrol with confidence, knowing their learning journey will proceed smoothly through any upcoming changes.
Opportunities and challenges
We’re closely examining these proposals to understand their impact and to ensure they align with the government’s goals. By simplifying some of the proposed changes, we see a chance to return to truly industry-led standard-setting. This is critical because it puts decision-making power in the hands of those who know the industry best, cutting through red tape that can slow down progress and responsiveness to your needs.
However, there are challenges to consider. Potential cuts to funding for work-based learning could have significant effects. Proposals that might reduce the role of Te Mahi Ako in arranging training need careful evaluation to understand how they could impact employers, ākonga, and the alignment with the objectives of the reform and what you see as success in the VET sector.
A dedicated standards-setting body for sectors like active recreation, leisure, and entertainment remains crucial to addressing the unique needs of our sectors.
Our submission
Skills Active Aotearoa Group is the former ITO for the active recreation, leisure, and entertainment sectors. We successfully evolved through recent reforms to establish an independent PTE, Te Mahi Ako, to lead industry training in these sectors. As such, we are uniquely positioned to deliver on the Ministry’s vision.
We aspire to be a transformative force within the tertiary education system. We are committed to weaving together work, learning, and skills to support learner and workforce success. Our mission is to unlock the potential of individuals and organisations in te ahumahi ā-rēhia—our active recreation, leisure, and entertainment sectors. Through flexible and tailored provision, we want to empower learners and organisations to thrive, fostering a sense of belonging and good health and building strong communities.
In our submission, which you can read by clicking the link below, we discuss the benefits and risks with each of the Ministry’s proposals. Our focus is establishing how the proposals can deliver the Ministry’s goals.
Key dates:
- 1 August 2024: Consultation commenced
- 30th August 2024: Stakeholder hui
- 12 September 2024: Consultation closes
- October – December 2024: Government decisions
- 1 January 2026: New system comes into effect