The official consultation period for the Reform of Vocational Education has now closed. Thank you to everyone who took the time to make a submission. We received over 2,500 submissions and the team is now working through each and every one of those. The final recommendations are being developed and these will be presented to Cabinet for a decision by mid-2019. We expect an announcement to be made after this but exact dates are still to be confirmed.

This doesn’t mean engagement has stopped. We will continue to talk with key stakeholders on what the future state could be and how it could possibly work. 

What happens to learners or apprentices?

For people who are already studying, nothing will change for them in 2019. They will still receive a recognised qualification at the end of their studies. All the support that is available to them as a learner or apprentice will still be available going forward. It is possible that if a person enrols on an ITP course in 2019 or 2020 they could have their qualifications awarded by the proposed New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology rather than the institution they enrolled with – depending on the outcome of the proposals. But we will keep everyone informed throughout any possible transition.

If the person is an international student, they will still be able to enrol at any of New Zealand’s ITPs with confidence. The education and immigration systems will continue to support them and their studies – whatever form our ITPs take.

If someone is thinking of enrolling, they can continue to do so. They will still receive a first-class education whether they are a domestic or international learner.

I work for an ITO or ITP – what about me?

If you work for an ITO or an ITP then nothing will change for you in 2019. There is still a need for people to support, educate and train learners and apprentices. Any decisions will not change what you do overnight so we need people to keep doing what they are doing do well – educating learners and supporting educational delivery. We will keep everyone well informed about what is happening throughout any possible transition.

For more information visit Kōrero Mātauranga: let’s talk about education.