One of the key aims of the reform is ensuring the voice of industry is heard and is able to better influence education and training. WDCs now have a direct role in establishing qualifications, setting Skills Standards and developing micro-credentials following the transfer of 850 qualifications and 14,000 standards from NZQA to the new entities. This is a significant step and will enable industry to have greater leadership in the development of industry qualifications, standards and training provisions.  Where appropriate, WDCs will also set and help with capstone assessments at the end of a qualification. Industry standards will be consistently applied across the country and across all modes of learning, whether on the job (ie apprenticeships) on campus or online. WDCs will also endorse vocational education programmes prior to them being approved by NZQA.

These transfers are in addition to the work on the simplification of vocational qualifications (previously covered in RoVE News). 

Work is currently underway to implement the changes, and this will continue into 2022, with changes to the Education and Training Act and NZQA Rules providing more opportunities for the sector to provide feedback.