The new process was put in place after the Ministry of Education revised the definition of Managed Apprenticeships in June 2020 including new criteria. The 13 criteria are detailed in the application form, which can be found on the Student Achievement Component level 3 and above (SAC3+) Fund Finder page on the TEC’s website.

The criteria include the requirement that learners must be in employment for the duration of their training and there must be a tripartite training agreement that governs the relationship between the TEO, the learner and their employer. Managed Apprenticeships must also provide an entry point into an occupation for learners.

While apprenticeships are being supported and promoted through a number of initiatives, the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) does not want providers to increase the number of Managed Apprenticeships they are delivering in 2020 and planned for 2021, beyond the number they have already committed to.

Providers have advised TEC of the expected number of Managed Apprenticeships that will be delivered during 2020. We expect this number will not be exceeded in 2021. Delivering beyond these volumes is subject to performance consequences. If your organisation thinks you will deliver beyond these volumes in the future, we encourage you to discuss this delivery with your Relationship Manager or Advisor to avoid being penalised later on.

Transition period

“We are currently in a transition period due to the Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE),” says TEC chief executive Tim Fowler. “We are actively working with transitional Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) and providers, on a successful transition to the new structure for industry, employers and learners,” he adds.

During this time, Mr Fowler says it is important to maintain current arrangements, without dramatic change, while new delivery approaches and funding is implemented.

Two RoVE projects in particular will have impacts on future Managed Apprenticeships funding arrangements. These are the Unified Funding System (UFS) and the transitional ITO transition project.  These projects are at the start of their operational design and the TEC will inform relevant TEOs of changes as they are made.  Changes to future Managed Apprenticeships funding arrangements might include different funding rates for Managed Apprenticeships, as well as changes to data collection and reporting requirements. 

For any questions please contact us on 0800 601 301 or email customer service. 

Find out more at the following links:  

SAC3+ Fund Finder page

Performance consequences  

Unified Funding System

Transitional ITO projects