The government has confirmed its plan for breaking up the national institute of technology and re-establishing independent polytechnics.
Tertiary Education Minister Penny Simmonds said following consultation the government had decided to make polytechnics autonomous.
She said the government would next year decide which polytechnics could be independent from the start of 2026, and which would be part of a federation.
"Decisions on which polytechnics will be established, and in which form, will be taken in the first half of next year. These decisions will consider the needs of local communities, learners and industry," Simmonds said.
"Although there may be some changes to how ITPs are organised, and to how and where programmes are delivered, learners can continue to have confidence in their courses and qualifications."
Simmonds said the future of work-based training was still to be decided.
The government would consult on two possible options for that sector next year, she said.
"The standard setting functions currently delivered by Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) will be taken over by Industry Skills Boards, but further input is sought from industry on how work-based learning should be structured. WDCs will continue to operate in the interim," Simmonds said.
"When I consulted on options for work-based learning earlier in 2024, the feedback I received led to a new option being developed. As it is essential that the design meets the needs of industry, I intend to hold a targeted consultation on two work-based learning options very early in 2025."
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