Hi folks,

The Government’s bill to amend the current Education and Training Act passed its first reading in Parliament on 20 May. Introduced by the Minister for Vocational Education, Hon Penny Simmonds, the bill provides for:

• the dissolution of Te Pūkenga
• new Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) to replace Workforce Development Councils (WDCs)
• the return of work-based learning to industry control
• transition pathways for organisations like BCITO to become a Private Training Establishment (PTE)
• and the reestablishment of a network of Polytechnics.

The bill has since gone through an open public review process via Select Committee. Select Committee submissions were due last week on Wednesday 18 June.

We now await decisions from the Government on the number and coverage of ISBs (i.e. which new ISB will cover what industries) and how the Polytechnic network will be set up. These decisions are expected in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, BCITO is working on its transition plan. Rest assured all BCITO industries, employers, and apprentices will continue to receive great support from us. While there is more change happening at a political level, the transition should not impact learners or employers.

If you have any questions, you can contact us at Review2024@bcito.org.nz.

Bill to reset vocational education passes first reading | Beehive.govt.nz

Celebrating industry success

It’s been a busy time of year supporting many industry events happening across the country. From BCITO graduations and award ceremonies to roadshows and expos, we have been out and about in the communities celebrating the success of learners and employers.

One of the great things about my role is seeing young people excelling in the trades. Our senior leadership team and I make every effort to attend graduation and industry events that highlight learner success and excellence.  We are incredibly proud to support all of our BCITO learners. They are the future of New Zealand’s building industry.

I am also very proud of the relationships BCITO has with schools and was delighted to speak at the recent Secondary School Principals Association of New Zealand (SPANZ) conference in Wellington. With leaders from over 500 schools all in one place, I highlighted construction training as a skill for life and the importance of principals supporting students not only into academic study but also into trade careers.

Ngā mihi,
Greg