- Industries will soon control how they train apprentices and trainees across New Zealand.
- New Industry Skills Boards will set standards and manage assessments from January 2026.
- The Government says the changes will better connect learning with real-world job requirements.
The Government is changing work-based learning to give industries more say in how apprentices and trainees are trained, Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds has announced.
"Whether you're a carpenter building the warm, dry homes of tomorrow, or a mechanic working to keep us safe on the roads, it's important you have the right skills to do your job effectively," Ms Simmonds says.
She explained that industry representatives had raised concerns about the current model, which had become "overly centralised through Te Pūkenga" and was often "disconnected from the realities of the jobs" apprentices were preparing for.
"We are fixing this by giving industries more control over how they train people," Ms Simmonds says.
Starting next year, a new independent and industry-led model for work-based learning will be introduced. Under the new system, vocational education and training providers will manage apprenticeships and traineeships at an industry level, rather than following a centralised system.
"This is great for learners because it makes their learning more relevant to their employment, and it is beneficial to businesses who will gain access to more capable workers to boost their productivity and deliver economic growth," she says.
Ms Simmonds also confirmed that public and industry consultation had clearly shown support for this new approach. "This Government is proud to deliver the changes that we called for," she says.
From 1 January 2026:
- New Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) will be set up to set training standards, endorse programmes, and moderate assessments.
- Apprentices and trainees currently with Te Pūkenga will transition to the ISBs for up to two years.
- New students will enrol directly with new private providers, polytechnics, or tertiary institutions.
- ISBs will also enrol new learners until other providers are fully established.
"So, if you're a learner or an employer — keep going. Your qualifications are essential, and your training is valuable. There will be no disruption, your training stays on track," Ms Simmonds says.
"We're building a better system — for learners, for industry, and for the future of New Zealand."