MAST Academy welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the discussions on the redesign of New Zealand’s vocational education and training (VET) system.
As a bespoke Private Training Establishment (PTE) dedicated to providing full training provision to the marine and specialised industries, we recognise the critical importance of a VET system that is flexible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of both learners and businesses.
We submitted our feedback on 12 September 2024. The following is a summary of our feedback
MAST Academy’s key areas of response:
1. Integrated VET System focused on learners and businesses:
The VET system must prioritise a learner and business-centric approach, ensuring seamless integration between on-job and off-job training. This requires a collaborative network of providers, including ITPs and PTEs, to meet the unique needs of various industries.
MAST acknowledges the importance of ITPs but express that the concern on the reforms driven by financial issues within Te Pūkenga, overlooks the broader VET needs particular the importance of work-based learning.
There is concern against a federation model that lacks long-term viability.
2. Industry-led system:
MAST does not support the creation of Industry Training Boards with both functions of standard setting (SS) and arranging training, as this risks reverting back to and outdated model. We advocate for retaining an independent, well-funded standard setting body with flexibility and expertise with strong industry peak body input.
We support a WDC /ITB strategic oversight of Standard Setting but suggest removing their investment advise to focus on standard setting to meet industry needs.
3. Unified and fair funding model:
Recommend a revised funding model that does not undermine quality work-based learning delivery (apprenticeships) by PTEs such as MAST and not reverting back to pre-2020 funding levels in favour of only supporting polytechnics.
We need a unified funding system (UFS) designed to fairly reflect the true cost of delivering quality training across all modes of delivery is essential. The proposed funding model for 2026 needs to ensure that high-quality work-based training, such as modern managed apprenticeships, is adequately supported.
4. MAST Academy’s learner and business-centric model:
MAST Academy’s approach exemplifies the importance of flexibility in the reforms to effectively engage diverse learners and specific niche industry needs should be the intended outcomes of the VET reforms. Our focus on creating clear pathways, delivering modern managed apprenticeships, supporting, and upskilling workplace trainers, and offering specialised micro-credentials aligns with the needs of both learners and businesses.
Summary:
The consultation document does not adequately address the role of PTEs, who demonstrate quality training delivery across all modes. While reconfiguring the Te Pūkenga (ITP) sector could streamline operations and improve alignment with regional and national needs, there is a risk of overlooking regional and niche industry requirements. MAST Academy supports retaining the Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) or Industry Training Boards (ITBs) as independent standard-setting bodies, focusing on maintaining national consistency in curricula for work-based learning (WBL).
MAST Academy advocates for a funding mechanism that supports a modern managed apprenticeships model, ensuring that PTEs can continue to deliver high-quality, learner and business-centric education. The redesign of the VET system should prioritise flexibility, responsiveness, and the integration of the diverse needs of New Zealand’s industries and learners.
By adopting these approaches, the Government can ensure that New Zealand’s VET system remains a cornerstone of national importance, driving economic growth and supporting the success of learners and industries across the country.
See the links here for information on the proposed redesign.