Background#

In December 2024, the Government agreed to introduce legislation that would:

• disestablish Te Pūkenga
• enable the establishment of regional institutes of technology and polytechnics as either stand-alone or federated entities
• establish industry skills boards to take over the functions of workforce development councils.

Decisions have now been made by the Government on the future model for work-based learning.

In the coming months, further decisions will be made regarding:

• details on the legislation to enable the changes
• which Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics will be standalone or federated entities
• the number and coverage of Industry Skills Boards.

The funding settings to support the new entities and delivery models, including the future model for work-based learning, will be announced following Budget 2025.

What it means for anyone planning to study or already a student at Te Pūkenga​#

They should continue to enrol or study at Te Pūkenga. Although there will be some changes to how institutes of technology and polytechnics are organised, programmes will continue to be delivered, and every effort will be made to make sure that learning is not disrupted.

What it means for anyone planning to go into or already in work-based training​#

All currently enrolled learners will remain with their existing work-based learning division.

There will be changes to the ownership of some organisations managing work-based learning but learners’ programmes will continue to be delivered.

There will be no changes for people who are enrolled or planning to enrol in an apprenticeship or traineeship with someone other than Te Pūkenga.

People should continue to enrol and complete apprenticeships and other work-based training with existing providers.

Information on changes to work-based learning#

The Government will introduce an industry-led independent work-based learning model.

Under this model, vocational education and training providers, including industry, private training establishments, polytechnics, and wānanga will be able to manage all aspects of an apprenticeship or traineeship in the future.

On 31 December 2025, as part of the transition to the independent model, Te Pūkenga’s 9 work-based learning divisions, including existing enrolments, will transfer to the Industry Skills Boards for up to 2 years.

Transition#

• Te Pūkenga’s former work-based learning divisions operate as separate divisions of the Industry Skills Boards.
• To support new work-based programmes, Te Pūkenga will make the intellectual property of its work-based learning divisions available across its network throughout 2025.
• From 1 January 2026, new work-based enrolments will be mainly into programmes developed by new and existing PTEs, polytechnics or Wānanga.
• Where there are gaps in provision, Industry Skills Boards will continue enrolling learners until 30 June 2027.
• By 1 July 2027 (or earlier), Industry Skills Boards will actively transition any remaining learners to programmes at polytechnics, PTEs or Wānanga.
• On 31 December 2027, Industry Skills Boards will cease managing training and all remaining enrolments will end.

End state#

After 1 January 2028:

• Industry Skills Boards is established as separate standards-setting bodies.
• Polytechnics, PTEs, and Wānanga will all be able to offer work-based learning.
• Some industries will set up private providers to take on programmes currently in Te Pūkenga's work-based Learning divisions
• The relevant Industry Skills Board endorses the programme.
• The provider manages all aspects of work-based learning. They enrol learners, provide pastoral care, and arrange education and assessment.