You may have received communication from us, the Ministry of Education, WDCs or work-based learning divisions (still commonly known as ITOs) during 2025. In general, these communications were asking your opinion on the system design.

We recognise that many employers and industry associations have already put considerable time and effort into providing ideas that have helped to shape the system that starts in 2026. We appreciate all the feedback and ideas that have been shared. 

With the VET system design now determined, we will run webinars in the first quarter of 2026 to explain how the new system works and answer any questions that employers and industry groups may have. When these are scheduled they will be promoted on this page and in our regular communications to industry.

In 2026 industry groups may be asked about two further topics:

• During 2026 TEC will provide opportunities for employers and industry groups to comment on what network of work-based learning provision is wanted in the future. This will happen progressively in 2026. To understand what we mean by the network of work-based learning, please read the section below and watch the webinar we ran in 2025.
• When the work-based learning division for your sector prepares to transfer out of the ISB to a provider, they will need to have industry support for the option they recommend. This may mean that they seek support for setting up a new private training establishment (PTE) or it could be that they are considering moving learners to an existing PTE, polytechnic or wananga. You may be asked to provide letters of support for the recommended change.

Understanding the network of work-based provision

“Network of work-based learning provision” is the term we are using for the range of provider types we will fund for each industry sector.

In other words: each sector’s network of provision will be the mix of provider types it wishes to use to deliver its work-based learning.

Industry voice will be critical to determining the network of provision we fund, informing TEC’s knowledge and ensuring the networks of provision are sustainable and meet sector needs.

We expect that network of provision may change over time, as industry needs change.

While industry will inform TEC’s knowledge of the network, it is not appropriate for industry to comment on the specific providers TEC funds. TEC will work with ISBs to understand what network of provision is required and will best meet their needs.

Network of provision webinar

We ran webinars in 2025 for industry to explain what the network of work-based learning provision is, and how industry can contribute.

Supporting industry on work-based learning

Supporting industry on work-based learning updates: Session 2 – YouTube

Issues to consider

In thinking about what type of work-based learning your industry wants in the future, it’s important to consider what is important to you. These criteria can help you design the network of provision for your sector. For example:

• Do you value nationwide provision that may be more consistent or regional delivery which may be more customised?
• Do you need to focus on specific groups of learners?
• Do you need niche provision, provision for a broader sector or a mix of both?

When thinking about the range of providers for a specific sector, it is also important to consider how many potential learners there are. Some areas of training that are smaller may only be able to support a single provider. For our funding decisions we will consider whether a provider can be financially viable with the provision they take on.

More information

For queries about the VET reforms, please contact VETinformation@tec.govt.nz.