As part of the Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE), the role of supporting workplace-based learning will shift from transitional ITOs to providers. In the new system, providers, including the te Pūkenga, Private Training Establishments (PTEs), and wānanga will support both on-job and on-campus (and online) learning, so learners can move seamlessly through the vocational education system. 

Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) will provide leadership across the whole vocational education system.  There will be six industry-governed bodies, providing industry with greater control over all aspects of vocational education.

On 1 April 2020, TEC-funded Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) became transitional ITOs under the Education (Vocational Education and Training Reform) Amendment Bill. 

The first step in transition for all transitional ITOs is to develop a plan detailing the transfer of:

• setting skills standards, qualifications development, and moderation and assessment activities to the relevant WDCs,
• arranging work-based training (including apprenticeship training) activities to providers, and
• any relevant assets.

Once the transition plan is approved by the TEC, Transitional ITOs must:

• implement and maintain the plan; and
• support providers specified by TEC in transferring the responsibility for the activities described in the plan.

Transitional ITO transitions project

The transitional ITO transitions project is responsible for facilitating and supporting the transitional ITOs to develop and have their transition plans approved. The transition plans will outline how transitional ITOs will transition their arranging training and standard setting activities to providers and WDCs.

In approving the transition plans the TEC will make sure the transition is as seamless as possible for employers, learners and staff currently involved in on-job training and receiving support from transitional ITOs.

The transition of activities represents the first step towards enabling the integration of on-job, on-campus and online training to occur. The transition of activities must take place on or before December 2022.

The project team will support the transitional ITOs through five steps. 

Design principles 

Eight design principles have been developed in collaboration with the transitional ITOs to guide the design of transitioning activities to providers and WDCs:

1. Intent – reflects the reform’s intent ensuring what we create is new and transformational 
2. Focus on employees – provides certainty for transitional ITO employees and takes a fair and consistent approach 
3. Focus on employers – incorporates the voice of industry and maintains industry confidence 
4. Focus on learners – provides certainty, opportunity and seamless pathways for ALL learners now and in the future
5. Seamless – involves minimal disruption during the transition period 
6. Flexible – accommodates the differences between transitional ITOs 
7. Clear – relates to processes, choices, milestones and communications to transitional ITOs 
8. Pragmatic – takes an approach that is practical and reflects challenges and opportunities