Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 11 September 2025

This page has information for providers who currently offer work-based learning, or who may be interested in offering it in the future. The page will be updated regularly as the vocational education and training (VET) reforms work progresses.
This page has information for providers who currently offer work-based learning, or who may be interested in offering it in the future. The page will be updated regularly as the vocational education and training (VET) reforms work progresses.

There are currently a small number of private training establishments (PTEs) that offer work-based learning, and these will continue unchanged in 2026. Any learner currently enrolled in work-based learning will continue in 2026 and is unlikely to notice an immediate change.
The work-based learning that is currently completed by divisions within the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (BCITO, HITO, MITO, Connexis, Competenz, EarnLearn, ServiceIQ, PrimaryITO and Careerforce) will move into the Industry Skills Boards (ISBs), but for employers and learners things will seem unchanged and the branding and personnel will remain the same.
During 2026 and 2027 all work-based learning will move out of ISBs and to providers. This is a significant and important system change, and the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) will require information from the parties involved to ensure the changes we approve represent the best option for both industry and learners.
Decisions about which provider receives the provision and learners from the work-based learning divisions of ISBs will consider:

industry views on:

what they need from the network of work-based learning, and
whether they support the recommended provider receiving transferred provision

information about the quality of the provider, informed by:

the plans they submit to us outlining approaches and capability
previous performance and compliance with TEC requirements (where relevant)
previous performance and compliance with New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) requirements and quality assurance (where relevant)
sustainability in terms of financial stability and good governance and management
alignment with tertiary education priorities, including those from the Tertiary Education Strategy.

The final decision on the transition of any provision and learners from an ISB to a provider will be made by the TEC Board.
Setting up new private training establishments
We are aware that some industry groups are looking to establish PTEs to deliver work-based learning for their sectors.
The requirements of standing up a PTE and ongoing compliance can be complex. These organisations are different to industry training organisations (ITOs) or polytechnics.
To support understanding of the requirements, we ran a webinar in partnership with NZQA. In this webinar, we shared further information and answered questions.
Webinar on new PTEs
This webinar was held on 29 July. A recording of the webinar is available below.
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More information
For queries about the vocational education and training (VET) reforms, please contact VETinformation@tec.govt.nz.

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

27 seconds ago

EIT has appointed Robin Fabish (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Mahanga) as its new Pouārahi Māori (Executive Director Māori), bringing extensive experience in education and a deep commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and kaupapa Māori.

Robin, who will be welcomed with pōwhiri at the Tairāwhiti Campus in Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale in December, says he is looking forward to the opportunity.

He joins EIT after more than 30 years in education, most recently as a Leadership Advisor for the Ministry of Education and previously as Principal of Tamatea High School from 2015 to 2024. His earlier roles include Deputy Principal at Te Aute College, Head of Māori at Napier Boys’ High School and Science Teacher at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Ara Hou.

“Our schools have always had a strong connection with EIT, particularly through the Trades Academy and students moving on to study here. I’ve always admired the role EIT plays in our community, and I am keen to be a part of helping people into meaningful careers and development opportunities.”

He said his existing relationships across Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti made the role a natural next step.

“I’ve had strong connections with the marae at EIT’s Hawke’s Bay Campus through various events like the Manu Kōrero competition, and I know a lot of people who work at EIT in Hawke’s Bay as well as in Tairāwhiti.”

Robin said he is looking forward to supporting staff and learners to grow their confidence in kaupapa Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

“My role as Executive Director Māori has a strong focus on giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. There are a lot of people who understand the need for an equity focus and that giving effect to Te Tiriti and respecting mana whenua are really important things. I’m looking forward to assisting our people to build on that philosophy.”

Robin is nearing the end of his Doctor of Education, examining how english-medium principals give practical effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. His research highlights the growing willingness among school leaders to support Māori learners, even as many navigate the challenges of how to put that into practice.

“Supporting Māori to succeed as Māori means Te Aho a Māui working to help ākonga Māori to be strong in our language, culture and identity, while also being strong in the Western world.”

He said both his career and his doctoral research have prepared him well for the role.

“To be able to bring my experience in the education sector, practical experience, but also theoretical experience, is something that I’m really excited to do to support outcomes for ākonga Māori, but also to support staff to develop their capability.”

Robin’s personal journey reclaiming te reo Māori has shaped much of his career.

“My mother grew up in an era where learning te reo was discouraged. For me, understanding my culture and identity has been a journey since I was young. There are so many of us who are on that journey now, and being able to support others in that space is something that I find really motivating.”

Robin and his whānau moved to Hawke’s Bay in 2004 and decided to stay. He and his wife Sharron have three adult children: Te Aorewa, Tiaki and Kamoe. Outside of work, Robin enjoys music and plays guitar and drums. He also enjoys waka ama.

EIT Operations Lead, Glen Harkness, welcomed Robin, saying his experience will be a real asset to EIT.

“Robin brings a wealth of experience and deep connections across Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti. His leadership in education and commitment to supporting Māori success will be invaluable as we strengthen partnerships with iwi and Māori communities and create opportunities for ākonga to thrive. We warmly welcome Robin and his whānau to EIT.”

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

2 days ago

A final-year Environmental Studies student at EIT is mapping North Island robin territories in Mōhi Bush as part of her negotiated research project, complementing a predator control programme run by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) and Department of Conservation (DOC).

Tiana Gillett’s research involves identifying male and female robins and noting their territories in Mōhi bush. Her findings are helping DOC and HBRC assess how the population has established since birds were translocated to the area in 2016 and 2017.

The project has brought Tiana’s studies full circle. In her first year, she took part in fieldwork at Mōhi Bush, setting tracking tunnels and bait stations for rats and possums. Now she is using those same skills to study the very birds those early efforts aimed to protect.

So far, Tiana has identified at least 17 robins across five transect lines, including seven confirmed pairs. Early estimates suggested there might be only seven or eight birds in the area, making the current numbers a positive indication that the population is establishing well.

“The robins hadn’t been monitored since 2018” Tiana said. “We didn’t know if the population was increasing and what impact predator control had on the robins. My research in estimating the robin population helps establish baseline data for future studies into breeding success and assessing whether the population can be sustained.”

The research gained further momentum when DOC carried out bird banding in Mōhi Bush and Hundred Acre Bush, supporting the monitoring work. Tiana assisted DOC staff with the banding, learning to set up mist nets and clap traps, record data, and safely band birds.

“It was an amazing experience; we banded 9 robins. I fed the robins mealworms before the banding project, and one robin even tried to steal the mealworms from my container,” she said.

The collaboration has helped Tiana confirm her earlier field observations and will guide the next phase of her research.

Tiana, who grew up in Hawke’s Bay, hopes to work with DOC or HBRC after graduating and is considering postgraduate study.

“I would love to keep working in biodiversity and conservation. This project has really solidified my passion.”

She said the practical fieldwork and support from lecturers had been a highlight of her degree.

“The lecturers are so supportive and hands-on, and the chance to get outside and do real conservation work has been so beneficial. Not all students at other universities get that opportunity. Being part of a close-knit group has been really special.”

HBRC Senior Biodiversity Advisor Natalie de Burgh said the project highlights the value of practical conservation experience.

“From HBRC’s perspective, we are really pleased to support a new cohort of conservation professionals, and to see the enthusiasm from students who have come through the Mōhi Bush rodent control project. We are seeing the value in enabling this practical hands-on experience to shape students future study and work.”

EIT Environmental Studies Lecturer Dr Amelia McQueen said Tiana had shown outstanding progress.

“Tiana has progressed so well as a student. Her knowledge and skill base are amazing. She has such a great can-do attitude and has been incredibly focused and passionate about her North Island robin research project.”

“I am so pleased that the Department of Conservation banding opportunity came about and that she was invited to be a part of this. She now has some very special skills and experiences that not many people in New Zealand get to have.”

Assistant Head of School Lisa Turnbull said Tiana’s journey reflects the programme’s focus on applied learning.

“It has been fantastic to see her develop from a first-year student into an emerging researcher. Her dedication to the North Island robin project demonstrates both her growing expertise and her passion for protecting our native species.”

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

1 day ago

Studying the Master of Digital Business at EIT has helped aviation professional Vinodh Dharmarajah build on more than a decade with leading airlines.

Vinodh brought extensive international experience to his studies, having worked with Qatar Airways, Sri Lankan Airlines and British Airways, as well as in senior management roles overseeing multiple carriers.

Determined to strengthen his qualifications and future career prospects, he moved from Sri Lanka to New Zealand at 36 to complete the 18-month master’s programme at EIT in Auckland.

“I chose EIT as it offered a balance of academic quality, practical learning, and strong support for international students. The course structure, along with the opportunity to engage with experienced lecturers and a diverse student cohort, made EIT the right place for me to progress both personally and professionally.”

Vinodh says he enjoyed the master’s strategic focus on how digital technologies are reshaping modern businesses.

“The programme is well-structured, with each course offering relevant and up-to-date content that aligns closely with current industry needs.”

He says EIT’s academic quality and professional learning environment gave him the foundation to transition into the New Zealand workforce.

“The lecturers are not only academically strong but also bring industry experience and connections. The quality of teaching and the emphasis on deadlines, integrity and high standards really impressed me.”

While studying, Vinodh gained local experience through an internship with Williams Property Services Group. His potential was quickly recognised, leading to his current full-time position as Strategy and Development Manager.

Now 37, Vinodh said he is grateful for the opportunity to study full-time again and credits the support of his wife, who worked throughout his studies.

“Not many people get an opportunity at that age to become a full-time student, so I wanted to capitalise 100 per cent,” he said. “I really miss EIT. It was one of the best 18 months of my life.”

Vinodh has his sights set firmly on building a strong career in New Zealand and hopes to one day start his own travel company.

For students considering EIT, Vinodh says the key is to get involved and make the most of every opportunity.

“EIT is an excellent environment for students who are looking to build practical skills and develop professionally. The programmes are well structured, industry-relevant, and delivered in a way that encourages independent thinking while offering strong academic support.”

“To make the most of the experience, I recommend getting actively involved, connecting with your lecturers, joining leadership programmes, attending mentor sessions, and taking part in industry-linked opportunities. The more you engage, the more rewarding and meaningful your experience at EIT will be.”   

EIT Auckland Campus Director Cherie Freeman says Vinodh’s journey is a great example of how EIT Auckland empowers professionals to take the next step in their careers.

“Our Master of Digital Business programme is designed to combine academic excellence with practical, industry-relevant learning, helping students like Vinodh transition successfully into leadership roles in New Zealand. We are proud to provide an environment where international students feel supported and can thrive both personally and professionally.”