The Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE) programme is achieving a lot in 2021 and is working hard to do this in a considered way, as we know that change impacts people. My conversations in recent months reinforce that people appreciate us taking the time to engage and listen to your thoughts. Thank you for continuing to work with us.

Recently I attended a number Independent Tertiary New Zealand (ITENZ) events and was able to talk about what we’re seeking to achieve in RoVE and the year ahead.  More importantly we could discuss the important role of Private Training Establishments (PTEs) in the future RoVE world.

One of the questions I’ve been asked is how the Regional Skills Leadership Group (RSLGs) and Workforce Development Council (WDCs) will work together.

While the six WDCs and 15 RSLGs will carry out different roles and functions, they will collectively contribute to the success of the new system.WDCs will take a national, strategic view of the future skills of their industries and across all of Aotearoa New Zealand.

RSLGs will have a regional focus that looks across will offer a perspective on skills and labour market needs in their regions and also. extends beyond vocational education into employment and economic and social development. Both WDCs and RSLGs will generate important insights for agencies, including the Tertiary Education Commission.

The WDC Establishment Unit is working closely with TEC and MBIE to develop linkages and potential areas of collaboration. A working group meets fortnightly and is considering opportunities including:

• links between RSLG Regional Workforce Plans and WDC Skills and Workforce Leadership Plans
• TEC requirements in terms of advice that WDCs and RSLGs will provide, and potential areas of collaboration
• shared design principles to support WDCs and RSLGs working together
• linkages in terms of industry engagement
• engagement with iwi, hapū and Māori communities across WDCs and RSLGs
• approach to sharing information and data where appropriate
• provision of information to inform career advice to TEC.

As we look ahead, the next few months are particularly significant as the new entities will stand up and particularly for the WDCs, the standards setting and other core functions will transition into them from the 11 TITOs. We’re working very closely with the TITOs to ensure this is done well and service continuity for employers and providers is maintained. The article and timeline elsewhere in this newsletter illustrates the major moving parts for the WDCs.

David Strong

RoVE Programme Director