The New Zealand Government has proposed significant changes to the vocational education system, and Āpōpō has submitted feedback to ensure the infrastructure asset management sector’s voice is heard.
The reforms will disestablish Te Pūkenga and return decision-making to regional Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs), along with revamping industry training and standards-setting processes.
What’s Changing?
- Regional ITP Networks: The Government plans to restore regional autonomy by creating stand-alone ITPs and a federation model. While this could enhance local flexibility, there’s a risk of inconsistent training quality across regions.
- Industry Standards-Setting: The current Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) could be replaced with smaller, industry-led standards-setting bodies. The goal is to ensure qualifications better meet industry needs and that there’s a closer connection between training and workforce requirements.
- Funding Adjustments: The reforms propose a shift in funding back towards provider-based education, with changes to support financially sustainable ITPs.
Feedback from Āpōpō
Our sector relies on high-quality training to equip future infrastructure asset managers with the skills they need. That’s why we’ve submitted the following key points:
- Industry Pathways: Infrastructure asset management requires a clear and consistent educational pathway. While regional decision-making is important, we have urged the government to ensure that quality standards are upheld to prevent variability in the quality of training and qualifications.
- Strong Industry Engagement: Āpōpō supports a structure that provides efficient and sustainable vocational education and training, provided it includes robust industry engagement to ensure programmes are aligned with the skills and competencies required in asset management.
- Standards-Setting: It is critical that industry remains closely involved in both setting standards and workforce planning, especially as asset management evolves with new technologies and sustainability requirements.
These reforms present both challenges and opportunities, and we’re committed to ensuring that our sector has a strong voice in the vocational education landscape. If you’d like to learn more or contribute to the ongoing conversation, feel free to reach out to our team.
