- Eight Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) to launch from 1 January 2026, replacing Te Pūkenga’s oversight of work-based training
- ISBs to be led by sector experts, aligning training with real-world industry needs
- “A win for apprentices, trainees, employers, and the economy,” says Minister Penny Simmonds
Eight new Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) will give industry a strong voice in work-based learning, ensuring the system delivers the right skills, in the right places, for a growing economy, Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds says.
“The Government promised to disestablish Te Pūkenga and return decision-making to local providers and industry. The Industry Skills Boards are a key part of delivering on that promise,” Ms Simmonds says.
“This is all part of our plan to make sure that the training people receive is aligned to what industry needs, and skills are matched to ensure they are fit-for-purpose, paving the way for economic growth. We want to ensure our workforce across key growth sectors are ready to hit the ground running."
The ISBs will be led by industry experts who “know their trades and sectors best.” They will set training standards, oversee quality, and ensure apprenticeships and traineeships reflect both employer and student needs.
The eight boards will cover:
- Automotive, transport, and logistics
- Construction and specialist trades
- Food and fibre (including aquaculture)
- Infrastructure
- Manufacturing and engineering
- Services
- Health and community
- Electrotechnology and information technology
They will begin operating from 1 January 2026, once enabling legislation passes later this year. In the interim, they will temporarily manage work-based training currently overseen by Te Pūkenga.
Industry Skills Boards will have three funding streams: core public funding, optional fees for quality assurance activities, and potential levies from industry support.
Each year, around 250,000 learners enter the vocational system, split between campus/online learners and those in work-based training.
“Whether you’re learning on the job or in a classroom, these changes will make your training more relevant and valuable,” says Ms Simmonds.
“We want every apprentice and trainee to be confident their qualifications will be recognised by employers. Employers can trust the system to deliver skilled workers ready to step into roles."
“This is a win for apprentices, trainees, employers, and the economy. We're building a modern, connected work-based learning system that supports quality jobs and drives the economic growth powering New Zealand’s future.”