PTE strategic

TEC awards $13 million strategic funding to 61 PTEs for vocational education initiatives

TEC awards $13 million strategic funding to 61 PTEs for vocational education initiatives

Last updated 25 May 2023
Last updated 25 May 2023

$13 million in strategic funding was allocated to 61 private training establishments (PTEs) for 69 new vocational education and training initiatives and to support innovative new provision for learners.

Please note: TEC has updated this February 2023 article to correct an error in the original version – 61 PTEs (not 69) were allocated funding for 69 initiatives.

“This funding will support a fantastic range of initiatives that are directly aligned to industry and employer and learner need and will help to drive long-term benefits for the New Zealand economy,” said Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) Deputy Chief Executive – Delivery, Gillian Dudgeon.

The 2023 PTE Strategic Fund was launched in July 2022 as part of the unified funding system (UFS) changes under the Reform of Vocational Education.

“The fund is a key part of our new strategic funding approach for vocational education and training,” Ms Dudgeon said.

“Its aim is to better meet national and regional labour skills needs and to better support vocational programme development and maintenance.”

Of the 123 proposals received from 92 PTEs, 39 were funded in full and 30 funded in part.

Successful projects include funding development of: a new NZ Diploma in Cybersecurity at Level 6 by Techtorium; the use of mixed reality and augmented reality technologies to improve content for Level 4 plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying apprentices by Industry Connection for Excellence; the promotion of careers in Iwi Māori primary land-based industries in the Te Tairāwhiti region by Turanga Ararau; and development of an integrated pathway that aligns attraction, job placement, training, and retention efforts for the dairy sector by Dairy Training Ltd.

The full list is below.

The TEC ran a contestable process for all eligible PTEs to apply for funding under the national and regional skills priorities (NSRPs) and the programme development and maintenance fund (PDMF).

The NRSP supports PTEs to respond to skills priorities informed by advice from the six Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) and 15 Regional Skills Leadership Groups (RSLGs).

The PDMF supports programmes aligned with the reform’s objectives.

Indicative allocations of funding totalling $11.16 million were sent to PTEs in early November, with a right of response process. This resulted in 34 proposals from PTEs seeking a reconsideration of the decision based on providing additional information. Of those, 10 were approved, valued at an additional $2 million.

Ms Dudgeon said that while the majority of the available $16.8 million has been allocated, $3.7 million is still available for allocation. TEC will seek targeted allocation proposals over the next few months.

“The focus is to ensure that the PTE Strategic Fund supports a genuinely national network of provision in terms of key sectors and industries and regional spread.”

TEC engaged closely with the PTE peak bodies, which represent the interests of the PTE sector, in the design and execution of the 2023 contestable round. The TEC ran a series of webinars to provide in-depth support to PTEs through the application process. This included publishing guidance and assessment criteria, funding examples, and a proposal template on its website as well as providing considerable individual liaison to individual PTEs to refine proposals for successful funding.

TEC is also now reviewing all processes associated with this first allocation to ensure all learnings are captured to support improved processes for 2024.

List of PTEs who received 2023 PTE Strategic Funding

Name of PTE

Amount funded

Purpose of strategic funding

 

 $13,203,893.30

 

Air NZ Academy of Learning

 $86,041.90

To use the latest in digital technologies to upgrade the audio visual and interactive experience for Pre-employment Certificate in Aeronautical Engineering (L3) learners who need or prefer to learn online.

Allied Trades Institute Ltd

 $15,198.40

To develop a set of micro-credentials to meet the needs of the new flooring qualifications that provide training pathways from pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship.

AMA Training Group Limited

 $40,000.00

To develop industry-leading resources and programmes that better support the needs of Māori and Pasifika rangatahi, employees and leaders in the infrastructure industry, particularly around health and safety, mental health and personal wellbeing.

Ashton Warner Nanny Academy

 $78,000.00

To establish an employability centre and to update two existing programmes to be relevant and responsive to learner needs.

Aspire2 Education Ltd.

 $250,000.00

To develop a new programme leading to the New Zealand Diploma in IT Infrastructure (Level 6) with strands in Networking and Systems Administration and embedded employability skills. 

ATNZ

 $242,242.00

To introduce augmented reality training in welding through the purchase of six virtual manual welding stations for delivery of the NZ Certificate in Welding Levels 3 & 4.  

Bethlehem Tertiary Institute

 $10,000.00

To develop micro-credentials for teachers and support workers to create inclusive, culturally responsive, and effective learning environments for neurodiverse students.

Bethlehem Tertiary Institute

 $10,000.00

To develop a L5 Diploma in Educational Support to pathway students to both Bachelors degrees in education and roles as education support workers.

Bodhi Ltd

 $17,500.00

To review and upgrade two Diplomas in Early Childhood Education in response to industry and learner feedback, including consultation with Toitū Te Waiora Workforce Development Council. 

Cornerstone Education Ltd.

 $440,000.00

To develop a new New Zealand Certificate in Māori Business Management (Level 4) and embed Kaupapa Māori, Te Ao Māori and Māori leadership into four existing business programmes.

Dairy Training Ltd.

 $30,000.00

To develop an innovative, integrated pathway that aligns attraction, job placement, training, and retention efforts for entrants to the dairy sector workforce to address widespread skills and labour gaps.

Developers Institute Ltd.

 $110,238.00

To support staff recruitment costs to develop new course and assessment materials for two software and web development programmes.

EmployNZ

 $85,000.00

To upgrade three current programmes for future relevance by redeveloping the teaching, learning and assessment resources.

Enspiral Academy Ltd.

 $290,000.00

To update Dev Academy’s Bootcamp to become a “Part-Time Programme”, reducing barriers and improving participation and success of under-served learners.

Fruition Horticulture (BOP) Ltd.

 $28,700.00

To understand the high rate of withdrawal of wāhine Māori from the Level 6 Diploma in Horticulture Production, to support them with three noho wānanga, and to provide other support to encourage wāhine Māori to complete their studies. 

Future Skills Academy

 $688,300.00

To improve the quality and relevance of programmes in line with the new national and regional skills priorities for the health, construction, and IT sectors.

G and H Training Ltd.

 $256,930.00

To develop a new programme (Carpentry L4 apprenticeship - mixed mode delivery), which will lead to the New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry L4.

Ignite Colleges

 $522,000.00

To develop a revised suite of Intelligence programmes to meet rapid changes in skill requirement including Introduction to Intelligence (L3) and NZ Diploma in Intelligence Analysis (L6). 

Industry Connection for Excellence Ltd.

 $300,000.00

To produce more engaging, interactive content using video, animation and graphics, in particular, to develop the use of Microsoft HoloLens® mixed reality technology to support Level 4 plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying apprentices.

Industry Connection for Excellence Ltd.

 $364,350.00

To produce more engaging, interactive content using video, animation and graphics, in particular, to develop the use of Microsoft HoloLens® mixed reality technology to support Level 4 plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying apprentices.

International Aviation Academy of NZ Ltd

 $151,019.00

To develop online commercial pilot licence and airline transport pilot licence courses, and a cultural awareness course, which embed te reo Māori and mātauranga Māori and increase eLearning capability across IAANZ.

Kalandra Education Group Ltd.

 $159,000.00

To develop three new strands for the NZ Diploma in Health and Wellbeing (Level 5) in Mental Health Support, Palliative Care, and Diversional & Recreational Therapy, including programme content and assessments, sample answers, and marking guides.

Kalandra Education Group Ltd.

 $35,000.00

To review and develop the NZ Certificate in Rehabilitation Support for Chronic Illness (Level 4), to be delivered online, and providing carers with a broader range of knowledge, skills, and techniques applicable to diverse workplaces.

Maata Waka Enterprises

 $29,500.00

To scope and develop a new NZ Diploma in Social Services & Community Work (Level 6) that reflects the cultural and social needs of learners, stakeholders and employers including alignment of culturally appropriate resources and delivery methods.

Manaaki Ora Trust

 $101,520.00

To develop an innovative online digital learning platform using a kaupapa Māori approach to improve education access and quality for tauira (learners) and kaimahi (staff) in Manaaki Ora Trust’s efforts to grow and nurture wellbeing.

MAST Academy

 $784,260.00

To promote marine and related industry careers and career pathways, using virtual and augmented reality to create a more compelling blended learning experience, improve learner access to online resources and assessments, develop a suite of micro-credentials, and build staff capability in Te Tiriti.

Media Design School Ltd.

 $157,645.00

To support delivery and further develop the online learner experience of the Digital Creativity Foundation Programme Level 4, targeting Māori, Pacific people, and underserved learners.

Mission Ready HQ Limited

 $359,053.00

To develop digital technologies training modules and micro-credentials in partnership with schools, tech industry practitioners, and community leadership organisations that deliver positive employment outcomes for learners and better meet industry needs.

National School of Aesthetics

 $72,000.00

To maintain four existing programmes in nail technology and beauty therapy.

National Trade Academy Ltd.

 $184,000.00

To complete significant improvements to the learning, physical and digital environments of its rural campus outside Christchurch as well as expand literacy and numeracy support, assist with student wellbeing and safety needs, and promote careers in the food and fibre sector.

Nelson Aviation College Ltd.

 $82,652.00

To introduce new technological developments to support aviation training and provide enhanced wellbeing for our community, learners, and employees.

NZ Institute of Education 2007 Ltd.

 $130,000.00

To develop a new suite of qualifications and micro-credentials co-created with the digital marketing and e-commerce industries.

NZ Management Academies Ltd

 $775,000.00

To develop eight new programmes in a range of categories including community health, mental health & addiction, horticulture, sport and construction across various delivery modes including the set up of an online learning management system.

NZ School of Education Ltd.

 $461,000.00

To develop a suite of new programmes and micro-credentials in digital technology and infrastructure, engineering and hospitality, and to transition the delivery of health and wellbeing qualifications from campus-based to online delivery in 2023 and to work-based delivery from 2024.

NZ Welding School

 $473,050.00

To develop and deliver a pipe welding programme along with redeveloping welding programmes including Level 3 and Level 4 to align to the new welding qualifications and move into new delivery modes. These programmes provide a highly practical learning environment for often vulnerable learners, and ensure a smooth transition for tauira into further education and employment across multiple industries in manufacturing and infrastructure sectors.

Pacific Coast Technical Institute

 $30,000.00

To support development of foundation ‘aquatic growing systems’ delivery framework, and delivery materials.

Pacific Coast Technical Institute

 $52,500.00

To implement and integrate hive monitoring technology to deliver real-time, real-life training experiences for apiculture students and to upskill staff and technicians on this new technology.

Palmerston North School of Design

 $37,000.00

To develop a new Diploma in Creative Enterprise (L5) for learners to enter the creative industries as freelance designers to keep pace with market demand.

People Potential Ltd

 $367,696.00

To develop capacity and modes for upskilling education practitioners to provide high quality, contemporary and culturally appropriate teaching and learning in a range of delivery contexts.

Queenstown Resort College (QRC)

 $388,000.00

To develop seven micro-credentials for the tourism sector, including online delivery, and develop three micro-credentials for the Certificate in Cloud Fundamentals and three micro-credentials for the Certificate in Fundamentals of Data Analytics. 

Real World Education

 $20,000.00

To increase our capacity to deliver programmes synchronously online as encouraged by the UFS.

SIS Training & Consulting Ltd

 $98,000.00

To meet the needs of Industry demands and changes in adult learning pedagogy, certain appropriate course modules in our New Zealand Certificate in Domestic Maritime (Skipper Restricted Limits) will be streamlined with supported online modules. This to allow learners to complete the required study with greater flexibility and timeliness.

Skill NZ Ltd.

 $50,000.00

To develop two new programmes training learners to support young people in South Auckland in health, education, training and employment.

Skills Update Training and Education Group

 $66,526.00

To develop a new Maintenance and Service of Plug in/Petrol Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) Vehicles (Level 4) programme, leading to the Maintenance and Service of PHEV Vehicles micro-credential.

Skills4Work Ltd.

 $515,000.00

To maintain three existing programmes in butchery and bakery which lead to meaningful and sustainable employment.

Strategi Institute Ltd.

 $94,426.00

To develop eight new programmes and maintain six existing programmes for financial services, including working with a Content Management System (CMS) software partner to support this programme maintenance and development. 

Sues Unlimited

 $15,000.00

To explore practical and relevant ways to ground medical transcription training in Te Tiriti, respond to Māori aspirations, improve skills to support a focus on health and safety, develop staff, and update course material.

Taranaki Outdoor Pursuits and Educational Centre (TSB TOPEC)

 $29,400.00

To take the unique TOPEC learning environment and create an outdoor classroom that makes use of the natural resources that surround TOPEC. 

Te Kupenga - Catholic Theological College

 $30,000.00

To maintain three qualificatons and develop two new programmes in  safeguarding and church administration.

Te Pou Oranga O Whakatōhea Ltd (TPOoW)

 $80,000.00

To develop an online platform with programme development resources that include te reo Māori me ōna tikanga components.

Te Rau Ora Ltd.

 $132,000.00

Designed for the Māori Health and Social Services workforces, Te Rau Ora is developing a series of online micro-credentials to support culturally-based, and whānau-centred approach to wellbeing focused on whānau (family group) as a whole, as the decision-makers who determine their own goals and aspirations.  Micro-credentials include:  Whānau Ora, Hauora Māori, and Māori Mental Health.

Techtorium NZ Institute of Info Tech

 $213,813.00

To develop a new programme, New Zealand Diploma in Cybersecurity (Level 6). 

Techtorium NZ Institute of Info Tech

 $217,000.00

To appoint a Kaihautū - Māori Advisor, and embed tikanga, Te Tiriti, and greater cultural awareness into Techtorium's policies, processes and practices.  

The Electrical Training Company Ltd.

 $1,010,000.00

To develop and upgrade the learning resources for three programmes (two existing, one new) to improve learning outcomes, provide online learning options, and better prepare learners for future technologies; and to develop a web portal to better connect aspiring apprentices with employers and promote sustainable practices.

The International Travel College of NZ Ltd.

 $105,500.00

To maintain and develop resources for four micro-credentials in management, grow the programme, by improving engagement, support the online learning platform, and working with specialists to oversee operations.

The Learning Connexion Ltd

 $375,000.00

To meaningfully incorporate te ao Māori and tikanga Māori into the
everyday life of the Learning Connexion by updating resources and programmes for delivery.

Turanga Ararau

 $100,000.00

To promote careers in Iwi Māori primary land-based industries in Turanganui a Kiwa and the wider Te Tairāwhiti region with the ultimate aim of creating a pool of skilled, qualified affiliated Māori managers, technicians, researchers and governors in sustainable employment.

Valley Education & Training Enterprises

 $30,800.00

To upgrade Valley Education & Training Enterprises internet to fibre, allowing reliable access to all programmes and resources for all students and staff.

Vertical Horizonz NZ Ltd.

 $84,000.00

To develop and implement a micro-credential for Edge Protection Installers.

Vertical Horizonz NZ Ltd.

 $50,000.00

To develop a new Learning Management System that supports transitioning apprentices and enables future development.

Vertical Horizonz NZ Ltd.

 $74,000.00

To develop and implement a micro-credential for steel fixing that can lead to a New Zealand Certificate.

Vertical Horizonz NZ Ltd.

 $42,100.00

To develop a micro-credential for tube and coupler scaffolding.

Vet Nurse Plus Ltd.

 $30,000.00

To develop a full, 240-credit programme suitable for provider-based and provider-based (extramural) delivery for the new Level 6 Diploma of Veterinary Nursing, Companion Animal Strand which will replace current programmes that are due to expire. 

Wanaka Helicopters Ltd.

 $23,000.00

To provide basic rotary flight simulation facilities using the latest in GA flight simulation software at domestic students' home base to help them make the most of their learning in the air.

Westport Deep Sea Fishing School

 $123,500.00

To revise existing provision of STCW modules with Industry and Iwi, and  develop the new NZ Certificate in Seafood Processing (L3) programme.

Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design

 $229,500.00

To develop seven new micro-credentials designed for people who wish to enter the digital technologies sector and those already in the sector looking to upskill.

Workforce Development Ltd.

 $180,000.00

To develop three new L4 programmes for home-based and community early childhood education that support underserved groups including Pacific and Asian communities.

Yoobee Colleges Ltd.

 $370,833.00

To develop a Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (Level 5) programme through a new trading entity, Healthcare Academy NZ (HANZ).

Youth Cultures & Community Trust t/a Praxis

 $120,100.00

To develop a new Diploma in Youth Development and to strengthen existing programmes against the new national and regional skills priorities.