There are currently a small number of private training establishments (PTEs) that offer work-based learning, and these will continue unchanged in 2026. Any learner currently enrolled in work-based learning will continue in 2026 and is unlikely to notice an immediate change.

The work-based learning that is currently completed by divisions within Te Pūkenga (BCITO, HITO, MITO, Connexis, Competenz, EarnLearn, ServiceIQ, PrimaryITO and Careerforce) will move into the Industry Skills Boards (ISBs), but for employers and learners things will seem unchanged and the branding and personnel will remain the same.

During 2026 and 2027 all work-based learning will move out of ISBs and to providers. This is a significant and important system change, and the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) will require information from the parties involved to ensure the changes we approve represent the best option for both industry and learners.

Decisions about which provider receives the provision and learners from the work-based learning divisions of ISBs will consider:

• industry views on:
  • what they need from the network of work-based learning, and
  • whether they support the recommended provider receiving transferred provision
• information about the quality of the provider, informed by:
  • the plans they submit to us outlining approaches and capability
  • previous performance and compliance with TEC requirements (where relevant)
  • previous performance and compliance with New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) requirements and quality assurance (where relevant)
  • sustainability in terms of financial stability and good governance and management
  • alignment with tertiary education priorities, including those from the Tertiary Education Strategy.

The final decision on the transition of any provision and learners from an ISB to a provider will be made by the TEC Board.

Setting up new private training establishments  

We are aware that some industry groups are looking to establish PTEs to deliver work-based learning for their sectors.

The requirements of standing up a PTE and ongoing compliance can be complex. These organisations are different to industry training organisations (ITOs) or polytechnics.

To support understanding of the requirements, we ran a webinar in partnership with NZQA. In this webinar, we shared further information and answered questions.

Webinar on new PTEs

This webinar was held on 29 July. A recording of the webinar is available below. 

More information

For queries about the vocational education and training (VET) reforms, please contact VETinformation@tec.govt.nz.