Looks like it is all change again for the industry training landscape. The Ministry of Education has released a proposal for public consultation titled “Redesign of the vocational education and training system”.
This would see the unwinding of the current Te Pūkenga structure and the abolition of the current Workforce development councils.
Announcing the proposal The Minister of Education, The Hon Penny Simmonds said, “After four years and hundreds of millions of wasted taxpayer dollars, the previous government’s Te Pūkenga mega-merger has been nothing but an abject disaster.
“Not only is it a financial mess, drowning in debt of over $250 million while carrying a bloated, centralised bureaucracy, but it has failed spectacularly in its aim to provide quality, relevant learning to the regions.
“New Zealand needs a strong vocational education and training system, with genuine regional control to ensure our people, industries, and communities can thrive. One that provides skills, knowledge and career pathways for learners into industries and professions that are vital to the economic prosperity of New Zealand.
“Over the next six weeks, I’m encouraging New Zealanders to have their say about the Government’s proposed reforms, and what they want from their local polytechnics and industry training organisations.”
Feedback is being sought on three parts of the system:
• A redesigned Institute of Technology and Polytechnic network that retains access to tertiary training in our regions, through a combination of stand-alone and federated ITPs.
• Options for an industry-led system for standards-setting and industry training (Ed note: this is to replace the current WDCs).
• Changes to vocational education funding from 2026 to better support the reformed system.
Broadley the proposal is that viable ITPs (The former Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics), would be reformed as independent autonomous ITPs, this may include mergers of ITPs such as an example given of a merged Unitec/MIT. ITPs that are not viable as a standalone operation would be part of a federation model under the Open Polytechnic, it is envisaged that core back-office functions would be handled at the Federation level with training delivered by the regional providers. Initial work would occur over 2025 with the new structures in place for 2026.
The six current WDCs would be replaced by eight industry training boards (Including a Motor – Transport Industries Board) which would be responsible for standards setting and arranging industry training. This would be similar to the previous training system in place prior to the last reforms, with some improvements.
Penny Simmonds added, “The damage done in the past four years is significant and there is a lot of work ahead. We need to restore our polytechnics to their rightful place as anchors of learning opportunities for individuals, and as a regional development tool for communities and industries. Our industry training must be driven by, and for, industry.”
The full proposal can be viewed at www.education.govt.nz/our-work/consultations/open-consultations/2024-vocational-education-and-training-reforms/ with submissions closing 12th September.
