Eight Industry Skills Boards established
Te Whakawhitiwhiti Kōrero mō te kapinga o ngā Poari Pūkenga Ahumahi
The government has formally established eight new Industry Skills Boards (ISBs), marking a major milestone in the transformation of the vocational education and training system.
The government has formally established eight new Industry Skills Boards (ISBs), marking a major milestone in the transformation of the vocational education and training system.
On this page:
- Initial members of the Industry Skills Boards
- Nominate or express interest to be a member of an Industry Skills Board
This change is driven by a clear vision to create a system that responds to industry needs, anticipates future workforce demands, and provides strong, regionally responsive support for learners and employers.
The ISBs will give industry a stronger voice in shaping vocational education. They will set and maintain standards, endorse programmes, advise on workforce development priorities, and strengthen collaboration between education and employers. During the transition from the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST) to a new industry-led training system, ISBs will also temporarily manage work-based learning.
Each ISB will, by 31 March have eight board members: two ministerial appointees and six industry nominated members. The ministerial appointees and the former Establishment Advisory Group members have been appointed to the boards, bringing the current complement for each board to four or five
The ISBs have now had their first board meetings and made establishment decisions to enable them to operate in the new year. This includes appointing a chief executive (where a selection has been made) and enabling the transfer of some staff from Workforce Development Councils (WDCs).
Initial members of the Industry Skills Boards
| ISB | Board members |
|---|---|
| Transport |
Shaun Johnson |
| Electrotechnology and Information Technology |
Ross Beal |
| Education, Health and Community |
Dr Vanessa Caldwell |
| Energy and Infrastructure |
Wayne Scott |
| Manufacturing and Engineering |
Nathan Busch |
| Services |
Russell Clements |
| Food and fibre |
Christopher Lewis |
| Construction and Specialist Trades |
Gregory Wallace |
Nominate or express interest to be a member of an Industry Skills Board
The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) is facilitating submissions from industry bodies, employers, employees and iwi partners for appointment of three additional members onto each ISB. These full boards are required to be in place from 31 March 2026.
Candidates will need strong governance and change management skills, an industry background, and an understanding of education and training.
Industry-nominated members will work alongside two members appointed by the Minister and other members already appointed by the ministerial appointees, all of whom were members of the previous ISB Establishment Advisory Groups (EAGs).
Previous nominations do not roll over
TEC has previously requested nominations for the ISB EAGs and ministerial appointments. Anyone wishing to be considered for current board member appointments must complete a new submission.
What do candidates need?
ISBs require a wide range of skills and capabilities to support the industries they serve. Candidates should have significant governance experience combined with strategic leadership experience. Collectively, members of each ISB will need:
- future-oriented thinking, including horizon scanning, innovation, technology, and digital trends, environmental social and governance (ESG) awareness, and ecosystem-level collaboration
- strategic planning experience, including financial planning, sustainability, long-term sector foresight, and scenario planning
- experience in financial management, forecasting and resource planning
- a well-developed understanding of risk management and emerging risks/opportunities
- experience in maintaining high standards
- experience in monitoring organisational performance in governance or senior management roles
- industry leadership experience, with extensive knowledge of, and connections within, industry
- an understanding of education and training, including workforce development, upskilling, and future workforce planning
- stakeholder engagement with government and regulators, ensuring alignment with policy and sector objectives
Who can nominate a candidate?
Industry bodies, employers, employees and iwi partners can nominate candidates. This ensures candidates have the backing of industry. You must obtain the permission of the candidate being nominated.
Who can express interest?
Anyone with relevant governance and/or industry experience can express interest, including employers, industry professionals, educators, workforce representatives, community leaders, and independent experts.
How to nominate a candidate or submit an expression of interest
To nominate a candidate or submit an expression of interest, please complete the following form:
Industry Skills Board Member Nomination and Expression of Interest Form
Submissions must be received by 5pm on Wednesday 18 February 2026.
If you have any questions about this process, please contact VETInformation@tec.govt.nz.