“After almost four years of structural reform, our proposed future state is nearly in place. The Workforce Development Councils and Regional Skills Leadership Groups are live and influencing investment decisions.  All industry training functions have now transitioned to providers. Te Pūkenga has a confirmed structure for its leadership team and agreed a simpler way forward. CoVEs are starting to bring their thinking to life.

“We all need to accept that things won’t go back to how they used to be. We’re seeing a number of PTEs embrace the opportunities of the new environment, which is great to see.”

Ms Dudgeon said the Unified Funding System was a key part of the changes, and the PTE Strategic Fund in particular was a key to incentivising new ideas and approaches. “We will assist PTEs as much as possible to help the sector adjust and transition to the new system.”

She recommended that PTEs adopt these key principles: don’t replicate what’s already being delivered; look for gaps in provision aligned to TEC’s investment priorities; and be smart, pragmatic, innovative, and collaborative.  She also provided conference delegates with an update on the 2023 PTE Strategic Fund process (see article in this edition).

TEC Chief Executive Tim Fowler also encouraged the sector to embrace the RoVE changes – as it had adapted to past change – to align with new priorities.  “TEC is working closely with individual PTEs and is looking at ways that we can strengthen our monitoring and support of the sector. PTEs’ financial stability is going to be a critical item when we look at future funding requests.”