Our focus is on ensuring that the network of work-based learning provision:

• is sustainable
• has appropriate coverage, and 
• delivers good outcomes for trainees and apprentices, employers and industry, while operating in a tight fiscal environment. 

The number of providers that can receive Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) funding for work-based learning will relate to the required network of provision for work-based learning.

The transition of trainees from work-based learning divisions currently reporting into ISBs is being managed separately

For information on the transition of trainees/apprentices and provision from work-based learning divisions under the Industry Skills Boards (ISBs), see Work-based learning information for tertiary education providers.

Consultation with industry and employers

ISBs will be engaging with industry and employers to understand what they want the network of work-based learning provision to look like in the future. 

This engagement needs to take place before the range of providers is changed or diversified. The outcomes of this engagement will inform decisions about providers who wish to start or expand the range of work-based learning programmes they deliver. Therefore, we are not opening a round for tertiary education organisations to be considered as new providers, or to expand their range of programmes, in the network of provision for work-based learning at this time.

Opportunities may emerge in the future if the ISBs’ engagement with industry confirms they want to see an expanded network of work-based learning provision in their sector. 

We will advise the tertiary education sector about any opportunities and the process to apply in the future. 

Delivery of work-based training requires specialist skills

If you do not currently offer work-based training but wish to do so in the future, use this time to research this mode in depth.

Check that your understanding of the work-based mode meets the definition

The work-based mode is distinctly different from the provider-based mode and the provider-based: extramural mode. For more information, see Modes of delivery – DQ3-7.

Expectations and requirements of work-based learning providers to deliver high-quality learning with employers

Work-based learning requires providers to support employers to deliver training on the job. The required skills, relationships and resources are different to those for provider-based learning, where the learning is delivered directly by the provider.

The 2023 guidelines issued by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) provide detailed information on how to ensure the quality of your work-based learning. See Work-based training guidelines – NZQA (PDF 151 KB).

The following points provide guidance on key considerations for work-based learning delivery. All providers need to be able to:

• support employers to deliver high-quality training and education, which may mean capability building that develops subject matter experts into effective educators, assessors or workplace mentors
• ensure every trainee gets trainee support and pastoral care of a high standard, including in environments where the learning is primarily delivered by the employer, not the provider
• provide learning and assessment materials that are appropriate to the learning environment and support best-practice delivery 
• implement and manage the relationship between the provider and the employer to ensure all the conditions and expectations set by TEC are understood and met in the workplace
• plan to have regular and constructive contact with the trainers, assessors and supervisors working with your trainees
• ensure they have staff with specialist technical skills to support the learning in the different contexts in which it will be delivered
• provide specialist support for trainees, especially those with the most need who may struggle to complete their training
• understand the reporting requirements and practicalities of assessment and moderation in non-campus-based settings
• provide sufficient pastoral care and periodic engagement directly with the trainees (preferably face-to-face) that supports them in their training
• adhere to specific requirements when delivering apprenticeships, including sections 381 to 383 of the Education and Training Act 2020 and the Code of Good Practice for NZ Apprentices (PDF 1.4 MB).

Pastoral care and trainee support

We expect all work-based learning providers to have systems in place to support trainees and apprentices. For further information, see Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 – NZQA

We also have trainee and apprentice support expectations in line with our Learner Success Framework. 

Funding conditions

All work-based learning is funded from the Delivery at Levels 3 to 7 (non-degree) on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework and all industry training (DQ3-7) Fund. If you wish to deliver work-based training in the future, you will need to understand and meet all the funding requirements of DQ3-7. For details of our funding conditions, see Funding conditions by year.

Work-based learning data specifications and requirements

The information providers collect from trainees and apprentices needs to meet our requirements. The data and technical requirements differ from those for provider-based provision. If you wish to offer this mode in the future, you may need to obtain student management software or update your current software to meet these requirements. Please explore this fully, including the costs. 

To understand these requirements, see:

• information on Student Management System vendors, and 
• our data specifications and the TEC API portal at Work-based data collection. 

Considerations to guide provider readiness for work-based learning

Below is a list of requirements that you should review if you are considering applying for funding for work-based delivery in the future. This is not an exhaustive list but provides guidance on the aspects you will need to consider and address to be able to deliver work-based learning. 

Initial TEC and NZQA requirements

Has your organisation been registered by NZQA as a private training establishment, or polytechnic, or wānanga?

Do you meet our financial standards? Please read Demonstrating financial viability for TEC-funded PTEs. To be considered for funding, you must meet our standards.

Do you understand and will you meet all the funding requirements of the DQ3-7 Fund? For details of our funding conditions, see Funding conditions by year.              

Does your intended delivery fit the definition of the work-based mode? Or does it fit into the category of either the provider-based mode or provider-based: extramural mode?

Do you have NZQA approval and/or accreditation for the work-based learning credentials and programmes you wish to deliver?

Support from industry

The industry or industries that your programmes deliver to will need to support you as a new provider in the network of provision.

Quality provision

Have you read through the NZQA work-based training guidelines?

Have you established internal systems such as a student management system or other systems and processes to track trainees and employer engagement?

Have you established workplace assessment procedures to support trainees and employers?

Do you have staff who have worked or currently work with trainees and employers in a work-based learning setting?

Do your systems meet NZQA's Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021?

Technology

Have you read through the information on Student Management System vendors? Have you checked out our data specifications and the TEC API portal at Work-based data collection? Do your systems need to be upgraded to meet our requirements? Do you understand the cost implications?

Have you arranged/will you arrange access to DXP Ngā Kete?

Do you have or will you have staff with experience in the data requirements for work-based training?

Do you have or will you have staff with technical experience using DXP Ngā Kete?

Our approach to additional funding is managed differently

If you want to increase your volume of work-based learning for programmes and/or credentials that we already fund, our approach to additional funding for 2026 is outlined in 2026 in-year additional funding requests. 

In June 2026 we will publish our approach for 2027, in Supplementary Plan Guidance for providers submitting Investment Plans for funding from 1 January 2027. 

Engage with us

If you have any questions please contact your Relationship Manager or the Customer Contact Team by emailing customerservice@tec.govt.nz or calling 0800 601 301.

More information

• Work-based learning information for tertiary education providers 
• Work-based learning information for industry and employers