What is the government proposing?
There are three areas where the Government is seeking feedback through this consultation process:
- Proposal 1
A return to a regional institute of technology and polytechnics (ITP) network that would see a combination of stand-alone ITPs and others joined in a federation model.
- Proposal 2
Options A and B for an industry-led system for standards-setting and industry training.
- Proposal 3
Changes to the funding for vocational education and training to better support the reformed system.
The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and Ministry of Education (MoE) are running this process, you can find more information on the MoE site.
Make a submission
You can submit your feedback on the proposals in three ways. Submissions close 12 September 2024.
01
Complete online
Fill out a submission online clicking the button below.
02
Download form
Download and fill out the submission template and email it to VocationalEducation.Reforms@education.govt.nz
03
Email feedback
Having your say doesn’t need to be complicated. You don’t need to be an expert in public policy or governance.
Is industry training important to your business and industry?
What do you need from an industry training system to make it better for you?
Would a better pipeline of skilled people help your business?
Is training for your staff available/accessible?
What are the biggest challenges in your business in relation to skills?
Email your answers:
04
Video feedback
MOE can also accept video submissions, but this needs to be assessed on a case-by-case basis. For this and any accessible needs, please contact the team at MOE for support via the email below.
What does your business need?
A reliable skilled recruitment pipeline
Lisa runs a small manufacturing business. Tough economic conditions and falling salaries have led some staff in her Christchurch office to resign. Larger firms can quickly adapt to tech advancements, using them to improve their bottom line and attract staff from smaller companies. Lisa knows she needs these advancements to stay competitive but struggles to find skilled workers in Christchurch because the qualifications for the industry are not aligned with what her business needs. Larger Auckland firms can afford to train staff in-house, but she relies on finding ready-to-work talent. Standardised qualifications would help Lisa find skilled employees, allowing her to compete more effectively with larger firms, often owned by overseas companies.
Lisa runs a small manufacturing business. Tough economic conditions and falling salaries have led some staff in her Christchurch office to resign.
Larger firms can quickly adapt to tech advancements, using them to improve their bottom line and attract staff from smaller companies. Lisa knows she needs these advancements to stay competitive but struggles to find skilled workers in Christchurch because the qualifications for the industry are not aligned with what her business needs. Larger Auckland firms can afford to train staff in-house, but she relies on finding ready-to-work talent.
Standardised qualifications would help Lisa find skilled employees, allowing her to compete more effectively with larger firms, often owned by overseas companies.
Keeping skills relevant for career growth
Malcolm has run his small heavy engineering firm in Hamilton for 20 years, training apprentices who stay with him for years. When necessary, he sends them to Auckland for training. Though he prefers to train them himself on the job, Malcolm acknowledges that his staff might need more up-to-date skills for future roles at other businesses. Co-produced courses between business and education providers can better align taught skills with industry needs, making Malcolm more able to offer his employees qualifications that will benefit his business (and make it easier to sell when he retires) while also setting up his employees for a more prosperous future.
Malcolm has run his small heavy engineering firm in Hamilton for 20 years, training apprentices who stay with him for years. When necessary, he sends them to Auckland for training.
Though he prefers to train them himself on the job, Malcolm acknowledges that his staff might need more up-to-date skills for future roles at other businesses.
Co-produced courses between business and education providers can better align taught skills with industry needs, making Malcolm more able to offer his employees qualifications that will benefit his business (and make it easier to sell when he retires) while also setting up his employees for a more prosperous future.
Making industry training accessible for people of all backgrounds
Richard was a skilled machine operator at an industrial manufacturing company. After a workplace injury limited his mobility, he sought to upskill in CNC programming and robotics technology to remain in the industry. However, the nearest training centre was in Australia, far from his home, and the costs were prohibitive. Unable to afford the travel and training expenses, Richard remains unemployed and uninspired. His former employer values his contributions and recognises the need for technological advancements but cannot finance his training due to rising costs. Richard hopes for an alternative solution, such as remote training or sessions at local polytechnics, which would provide access to the same level of training available in major cities. This approach would support regional and rural areas, helping businesses stay competitive and upskill their workforce.
Richard was a skilled machine operator at an industrial manufacturing company. After a workplace injury limited his mobility, he sought to upskill in CNC programming and robotics technology to remain in the industry. However, the nearest training centre was in Australia, far from his home, and the costs were prohibitive.
Unable to afford the travel and training expenses, Richard remains unemployed and uninspired. His former employer values his contributions and recognises the need for technological advancements but cannot finance his training due to rising costs.
Richard hopes for an alternative solution, such as remote training or sessions at local polytechnics, which would provide access to the same level of training available in major cities. This approach would support regional and rural areas, helping businesses stay competitive and upskill their workforce.
Making it easier to learn on the job
Tama has been in the same role at a dairy business in Waikato for four years and feels stuck. He is considering a move for a change and a potential pay rise too. His employer is struggling to find more staff and can't afford to change his role until he finds someone to take his role. Sending Tama to a local education provider for training would keep Tama in the business, but it's busy, and they need more staff first. Greater access to recognised on-the-job training could help Tama to feel more motivated and valued, and his employer would save valuable time and workforce capacity when he needs it most.
Tama has been in the same role at a dairy business in Waikato for four years and feels stuck. He is considering a move for a change and a potential pay rise too.
His employer is struggling to find more staff and can't afford to change his role until he finds someone to take his role. Sending Tama to a local education provider for training would keep Tama in the business, but it's busy, and they need more staff first.
Greater access to recognised on-the-job training could help Tama to feel more motivated and valued, and his employer would save valuable time and workforce capacity when he needs it most.
Get involved
Consultation Hui
TEC and MoE are running face-to-face and online across the country, as well as industry-specific sessions. Head to the TEC site for the most up to date links and information on how to register to attend.
Hanga-Aro-Rau is here to support
Our leadership and staff are here to support you and your team in understanding what is being proposed and how you can ensure your voice is heard, through making a formal submission. The new system must be fit for the purpose of you and your business and our NZ economy. To find out more, follow us on social media or email us at info@hangaarorau.nz
Supporting our people and industries
We are working hard to encourage as many of the 82,000 businesses we represent as possible to make a formal submission to the Consultation before September 12. We continue to advocate for the needs and opportunities of Māori, Pacific Peoples, Women, Disabled People, and other underserved communities, whose needs must be considered in the new system design. Get informed, get active and get in touch for more support.
