19535 (2025). Shanan Halbert to the Minister for Vocational Education

19535 (2025). Shanan Halbert to the Minister for Vocational Education: Under the Vocational Education Training reforms, which units will be responsible for Work Based Learning?

Hon Penny Simmonds: I am advised by the Ministry of Education that currently enrolled Te Pūkenga Work-based Learners will move to an Industry Skills Board from 1 January 2026, subject to legislation being passed by Parliament. The government will introduce an industry leading independent work-based learning model. Under this model, vocational education and training providers, including private providers, polytechnics, and wānanga will be able to manage all aspects of work-based learning in the future. During a transition period of up to two years the work-based learning divisions currently within Te Pūkenga will transfer temporarily to Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) as separate business divisions for up to two years. This enables industry time to determine the shape it wishes to see for work-based learning in New Zealand and it helps facilitate smoother transitions for former Te Pūkenga apprentices and trainees into the new providers as they stand up over the next two years. The Industry Skills Boards will manage these apprenticeships and traineeships for up to two years, allowing time for new Work-based Learning programmes to be developed at polytechnics, private training establishments, and Wānanga.