The initiative, approved by Cabinet and subject to the passing of the Education and Training (Vocational Education and Training System) Amendment Bill, is set to take effect from 1 January 2026.

The 8 ISBs will represent the following broad industry sectors:

• 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.

These boards will be responsible for setting vocational education standards and, during a transitional period, managing work-based training currently overseen by Te Pūkenga. This transition will begin in 2026 and continue until the end of 2027, after which ISBs will focus solely on standards-setting and programme endorsement.

ISBs will be funded through a combination of public funding, optional industry levies, and fees for quality assurance services. Their role will be to make sure that vocational training is relevant, high-quality, and aligned with industry needs.

Around 250,000 learners engage with the vocational education system each year.

The Education and Workforce Select Committee is expected to report back to Parliament in September 2025, with the Bill anticipated to pass in October 2025 for the implementation to begin on 1 January 2026.

Redesign of Vocational Education and Training System