How education changes will affect learning with Primary ITO
6 May 2021
The Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE) is aimed at creating a system fit for the future of work, delivering the skills learners and employers need.
The Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE) is aimed at creating a system fit for the future of work, delivering the skills learners and employers need.
At the heart of the Government's reforms, which began at the start of 2019, is the creation of Te Pūkenga – a new nationwide New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology. This will bring together the country’s existing 16 regional polytechnics as subsidiaries, along with a work-based learning subsidiary.
Industry Training Organisations like Primary ITO have a vital role in arranging training, setting standards and designing training programmes and this is continuing during RoVE. Over time Primary ITO will work more closely with Te Pūkenga in designing training programmes, and arranging training and apprenticeships. From the end of 2022, we anticipate operating as part of Te Pūkenga.
What this means for Primary ITO learners and employers
The Government has promised learners will be able to finish their qualifications uninterrupted during the education reforms. You can learn more about the reforms here.
At Primary ITO, we are continuing to enrol people and ensure they get the best primary industry-specific training available. Following the impact of Covid-19, the Government is also paying for the fees for trainees and apprentices enrolling with Primary ITO. Details on the programmes available are here.
Will Primary ITO still be around for my training
We are working closely with the Government’s education authorities on a plan to transfer into Te Pūkenga, which will ensure that your training will continue as per usual. Any training begun with Primary ITO will still be able to be finished.
Over time we believe the changes will mean that learners and employers will get the benefit of a vocational education system that lets them integrate their on-the-job learning with fulltime study and online learning.
What else is changing?
The Government is setting up Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) to set standards and create qualifications for industry training. There will be a new food and fibre WDC to take over these functions from Primary ITO, which will be operational by October 2021. This is a relatively small part of Primary ITO’s current work.
If you want to stay up to date with all RoVE information, you can subscribe to the TEC newsletter on their website.