Consultation on the future for primary sector work-based learning

The future for primary sector work-based learning

The Government has announced proposals to restructure vocational education and training. 

It’s important that people who are engaged in industry training in the primary sector take the opportunity to ensure that the new system is designed to meet their needs. Details of where to hear more are available from the Tertiary Education Commission, and full details of the proposals are on the Ministry of Education's website.

The proposals include work-based learning, which is the way Primary ITO supports businesses, employers, staff and industries to lift skills and help the food and fibre sector prosper. 

Getting the structure right across what are currently vocational education and training organisations like Primary ITO, polytechnics, private training establishments and other supporting organisations is critical to making sure training and education offerings meet your needs. 

In broad terms, the Government has three proposals: 

1. A redesigned Institute of Technology and Polytechnic network.
2. Options for an industry-led system for standards-setting and industry training.
3. Changes to vocational education funding from 2026.

Within that second proposal, there are two options for work-based learning: 

1. New “Industry Training Boards”, which would broadly look like the former Industry Training Organisations. These would include both standards setting and arranging training functions.
2. Creating new organisations (potentially as Private Training Establishments) from the different work-based learning divisions of Te Pūkenga (like Primary ITO is currently) and separately having new standards-setting bodies.

Equally important to the structural options for industry training will be funding changes. There are proposed increases for provider-based vocational funding levels and a reduction in the level of work-based funding. 

Consultation on these proposals is being run by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and the Ministry of Education.  

To find out more about in-person and online consultation sessions visit the TEC website. 

You can read more about the proposals and download the full consultation documents from the Ministry of Education.