Vocational Education and Training Review

Vocational Education in Aotearoa plays a crucial role in developing a skilled workforce and ensuring that people are equipped with the knowledge and competencies necessary to meet the demands of various industries.

The Government is currently reviewing the structure of the vocational education and training sector and have released a proposed plan.

The plan includes a six-week consultation period (1 August – 12 September). During this time, all New Zealanders are encouraged to have their say on the proposed structure and what they believe is the best approach for Aotearoa.

Collaborations have always been at the centre of our philosophy, and we want to work with you all to ensure the future model works for you, our community.

Read on to find out about the various ways you can engage with us and how you can have your say.

Your Polytechnic

Otago Polytechnic is proud to be a leader in high-quality, career-focused tertiary education. Our learners and community are at the heart of everything we do. We have over 150 hands-on programmes, from certificates to doctorates, and 8,000 full- and part-time students.

We have contributed almost a billion dollars to the Dunedin economy over the last seven years and our learners enjoy a welcoming, supportive and safe environment, with an extensive range of facilities, services and support. We’re also the first tertiary provider to create and adopt a Māori Language Strategy I Te Rautaki Reo Māori as we want everyone to feel comfortable using te reo.

We want to be able to continue to serve our community in a responsive and innovative way.

Key points of proposal

Below are the three proposals (at a high-level) for feedback:

1. A redesigned Polytechnic (ITP) network to respond to regional needs

• Financially viable ITPs will become independent and stand-alone (these would be stood up within Te Pūkenga from 1 Jan 2025 and then would legally stand-alone from 1 Jan 2026)
• Establishment of a federation of ITPs for those that are not financially viable
• The federated model would be anchored to Open Polytechnic who will provide programmes and services dependent on needs of each ITP.

2. Two options for industry-led system for standard setting and industry training

• Establishment of Industry Training Boards – similar to previous ITOs (Industry Training Organisations) (possibly up to 8)
• Replace Workforce Development Councils with industry specific Standard Setting Bodies (possibly up to 8 (industry training divisions in Te Pūkenga would be divided into separate units and become a PTE or other entity delivering programmes).

3. Changes to Funding System

• Restore funding rates to what would have been Student Achievement Component (SAC funding)
• 2025: Stop the Strategic Component Fund and increase provide funding by 10%
• From 2026:
  • Reprioritise funding from work-based learning to fund standard setting separately to arrange training
  • Establish funding arrangements for ITPs to engage with regional industries and international education.

Engagement and events

This consultation is led by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and the Ministry of Education (MoE). They are holding face-to-face consultations around Aotearoa for regional stakeholders, employers, industry groups, iwi, learners, and local communities.

Two sessions were held at Otago Polytechnic on Monday 19 August.

Couldn't attend?

No problem. TEC are hosting a range of in-person events and other region-specific webinars during the consultation period. You are welcome to attend any of these. Find list of events here and register >

Want to engage with us?

We welcome any thoughts and are very open to engaging with you by email or in person. If you want to provide feedback, ask any questions or set up a meeting, please use the contact details below.

Email Lee-Ann.Dahl@op.ac.nz

Phone 0800 762 786

How to have your say

You must send feedback in writing for it to be considered.

• Download and fill out the submission template, and email it to Reforms@education.govt.nz 
• Fill out a submission form and submit it online at  Vocational Education and Training Reforms consultation
• Email your feedback directly to Reforms@education.govt.nz.

Timeframes

1 August – 12 September 2024: Consultation period

October – December: Decisions to be taken and confirmed (recommendations to Cabinet by the end of November)

January – June 2025: Legislative process will occur

1 January 2026: New system comes into effect

Links to key documents

• VET Review Consultation document
• Regulatory Impact Statement Template (MoE)

*Based on those who have made a decision – Graduate Destination Survey, 2023

** Based on those surveyed – Learner Opinion Survey, 2023