For providers who currently offer work-based learning

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

Currently existing work-based PTEs are not approved to expand their work-based provision without specific permission from us. During 2026 TEC will engage with employers and industry groups to understand the network of work-based provision they want to see for their sectors. Until this engagement is complete we do not want to change and diversify the network of provision.

For providers who want to offer work-based learning for the first time 

We are only considering new work-based learning providers in very exceptional circumstances. This approach will be reviewed when the network of work-based learning provision engagement in compete. There is an application process open in April 2026, however, we encourage you to engage with us before submitting an application to understand the likelihood it will be successful.

Providers that may receive work-based learning provision from ISBs

During 2026 and 2027 all work-based learning will move out of ISBs and to providers.

There are two options here:

1. The provision will move to a previously existing provider (PTE, polytechnic or wānanga)
2. A new provider will be established to receive provision.

The ISB will recommend which provider should receive the work-based learning and the final decision will be made by the TEC board. When making these decisions the ISBs and TEC 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.

New providers being established to receive work-based learning provision from an ISB

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 in 2025. 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.