The New Zealand Initiative Supports Industry-Led Training Reforms, Calls For School Pathway Changes

The New Zealand Initiative strongly supports the Government's move to give industries more control over apprenticeships and training.

"Minister Simmonds' announcement today addresses a key issue in our vocational education system," says Dr Michael Johnston, Senior Fellow at The New Zealand Initiative. "The shift from Te Pūkenga's centralised approach to industry-led training through Industry Skills Boards is a positive step forward."

"The creation of these boards to set training standards will help ensure apprentices develop skills that are directly relevant to their workplaces. This connection between training and workplace requirements is vital for both learners and employers," Johnston said.

However, the Initiative calls for the Government to also establish clearer pathways from secondary schools into industry training.

"While these industry-level changes are important, our research shows that the pathway problem begins earlier. Too few school leavers consider apprenticeships because our secondary system doesn't provide clear vocational routes," Johnston said.

"We recommend establishing a National Certificate of Industry Training as a parallel qualification to University Entrance. This would signal to students that vocational pathways offer equally valuable career opportunities."

Johnston added, "The Government's industry-led reforms set a strong foundation. Complementing them with improved school-level pathways would create a comprehensive solution to New Zealand's skills challenges."

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