To read the full press release, see Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions – Beehive.

The government has agreed to introduce a legislative framework that will:

• disestablish Te Pūkenga and Workforce Development Councils (WDCs)
• enable a more agile network of Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) focused on core delivery either as standalone entities or as members of a federation.
• establish Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) to provide a more industry responsive and resilient model to support work-based learning.

The government also announced that targeted consultation with industry will take place early in 2025 on two options for work-based learning.

The changes to the VET system are intended to come into effect from 2026. Throughout this time, learners should continue to enrol and study for qualifications, and employers keep supporting apprentices and trainees with workplace training. Although there may be some changes in 2025 to how ITPs are organised, and to how and where programmes are delivered, learners can continue to have confidence in their courses and qualifications.