Changes to the vocational education and training (VET) system

Te whakawhitiwhiti kōrero mō ngā huringa e marohitia ana ki te pūnaha mātauranga ahumahi me te whakangungu (VET)

Last updated 21 May 2025
Last updated 21 May 2025

In December 2023, the Government announced its intention to disestablish Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology and Workforce Development Councils (WDCs).

The Government plans to establish Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) to manage standards-setting and associated functions and will re-establish institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs) as either stand-alone or federated entities.

In December 2024, the Government agreed to introduce legislation that would:

  • disestablish Te Pūkenga
  • enable the establishment of ITPs as either stand-alone or federated entities
  • establish ISBs to manage standards-setting and associated functions.

Government decisions to be made in 2025 include:

  • details on the legislation to enable the changes
  • the future model for work-based learning
  • funding frameworks to support the new entities and delivery models
  • which ITPs will be stand-alone or federated entities
  • the number and coverage of ISBs.

More information

New work-based learning model

Consultation on Industry Skills Boards’ coverage (now closed)

Help establish Industry Skills Boards

Redesign of Vocational Education and Training System – Ministry of Education