Kia ora koutou,

Welcome to the latest edition of RoVE News.

The reform of vocational education took a big leap in mid-2021 when skills standards development moved from New Zealand’s eleven Transitional Industry Training Organisations (TITOs) to the newly established Workforce Development Councils. Also, the first TITOs transferred their arranging training functions to private training establishments and Te Pūkenga.  Now, some fourteen months later, the last of these transfers of functions have taken place, with Primary ITO, Skills Org and Skills Active all completing their move to new providers.

This represents one of the most significant changes in vocational education and training in decades. The transitions have not been without challenges but, with enormous dedication, determination and cooperation, you in the sector have pulled off what can only be described as a major achievement. 

We are sharing details of these latest and final transitions in this issue of RoVE News, together with some great stories about RoVE in action.  From new qualifications in the aviation sector to innovative initiatives in the food and fibre sector, there is much to be positive about.  We have been talking aspirationally about a ‘strong, unified, sustainable vocational education system fit for the future’ – well, the future is here now and while there is still work to do, we are well on the way.

Thank you for all your hard work in supporting these crucial changes for New Zealand. Keep safe, keep well, noho ora mai.

Ngā mihi,

Paul Delahunty