BCITO welcomes a fast-track transition to Private Training Establishment

The Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) has welcomed the Government’s confirmation that it can become a Private Training Establishment (PTE) from 1 January 2026  

The move to a PTE will see BCITO delivering training directly to building and construction apprentices across 16 trades, rather than only providing resources, training support, guidance and connections for employers and apprentices as it did under Te Pūkenga. 

All of New Zealand’s Industry Training Organisations will be transitioning to a new Industry Skills Board structure as they demerge from Te Pūkenga. The aim is to give them time to prepare for training delivery.  

Under the latest round of vocational education reforms, confirmed by Tertiary Education Minister Penny Simmonds in mid-July 2025, BCITO will return to industry-led governance by the end of this year. Ten regional polytechnics will also be re-established by January 2026, reversing the previous government’s centralisation drive under Te Pūkenga.  

Local, responsive training 

The changes are intended to deliver more locally responsive training, increase employer confidence and improve operational efficiency across the vocational sector. 

Under Construction previously reported that Simmonds said the goal was to create financially sustainable polytechnics while giving industry a stronger role in training.   

“With more than 250,000 students in the vocational education system each year, these changes offer greater flexibility, financial sustainability and ensure training remains relevant to employment needs,” Simmonds said.  

“Industry will have a stronger role, communities will regain local control and polytechnics will be financially sustainable.  

“We’re rebuilding our incredibly important vocational education system, so that it delivers for students, for employers and for the future of New Zealand.” 

BCITO will immediately transition from the Board to full PTE status on 1 January 2026, recognising it is already in a position to begin training apprentices.  

Clear path forward 

BCITO Director Greg Durkin said the announcement gives the sector confidence and a clear path forward. 

“This is a significant moment for us, and I’m proud to bring BCITO to this point. After years of change and uncertainty, this move will give employers, learners and training providers the stability they need to plan and get on with the job. This decision means we can continue supporting the sector with clarity and focus, working alongside industry to lift capability where it’s needed most,” he said.  

Phil Brosnan, Chair of BCITO Ltd, said he was pleased to welcome the organisation back to industry. 

“This is something we’ve delivered capably in the past, and we’re delighted with the Minister’s decision and the confidence it shows in BCITO to deliver what apprentices, employers and the industry need. BCITO is ready and able to take on training delivery from 1 January and we’re committed to working closely with industry to ensure a smooth shift and the best results for the workforce,” he said. 

Increased demand for skilled workers 

Brosnan said he believes that Government initiatives such as Going for Housing Growth and funding for new schools and hospital facilities, combined with easing finance conditions, mean demand for skilled workers will increase.  

“We now have an exciting road ahead, able to put all our focus on improving outcomes for apprentices, employers and the building and construction sector, and lifting productivity. The construction sector will soon be back in full growth mode, with new housing consents already rising more than 27 per cent in September, compared with the same time last year. That won’t just affect the industry, but the whole national economy,” Brosnan said.  

“Delivering the new homes and infrastructure we need to meet that growth will require a workforce with the right skills. We’re looking forward to helping build a strong and resilient pipeline of construction talent, and to supporting a strong future for New Zealand.”