Some industries will already have had contact from the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) as we have been working to determining the coverage of the new Industry Skills Boards (ISBs). The feedback received from industry has shaped the proposed allocations on which we will formally consult in November 2025.

The ISBs that stand up from January 2026 will have governance that is nominated by industry. This will ensure that there is industry voice in the organisations creating and maintaining the qualifications and credentials that trainees complete.

There will also be contact with industry and employers during 2026 to ask and understand what is needed in terms of a network of work-based learning provision for the new system.

Understanding the work-based network of 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 networks of provision may change over time, as industry needs change.

Note that 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 two webinars on 7 August for industry to explain what the network of work-based learning provision is, and how industry can contribute. Both covered the same content. A recording of these webinars is available below.

Note: These were introductory webinars. There will be detailed engagement with specific sectors in late 2025 and 2026.

Supporting industry on work-based learning updates – session 1

Session 2 covers the same content as session 1 above:

Supporting industry on work-based learning updates – session 2 – YouTube

Issues to consider

In thinking about what type of provider an industry may wish to work with, it’s important to consider what those providers offer. For example:

• Will this type of provider deliver nationwide or in specific regions?
• Do you need a provider that will focus on specific groups of learners?
• Do you need a provider that will offer niche provision or a range of provision for a broader sector?

More information

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