ITP merge under way

The country’s 16 institutes of technology and polytechnics have been brought under the same roof 

All 16 institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs) are now operating as a single national campus network under Te Pūkenga – The New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, but won’t officially transition into the organisation until the end of the year.

By 2023, the entire network will move towards a single Te Pūkenga – The New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology brand. 

The operating model has been designed to give learners and employers more flexibility in what, where and how learning happens in New Zealand, said Warwick Quinn, Deputy Chief Executive Employer Journey and Experience (formerly chief executive of the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO). 

“By removing the competition between polytechnics and industry training organisations, we effectively remove the approach to learning, where previously learners were forced to choose between campus study in a Polytechnic or a work-based apprenticeship. We can now create a model which is more flexible to better suit learners (and employers) by providing on-the-job, on campus and online learning in whatever combination best works for them.” 

Additionally, the changes will prioritise learners who weren’t well served by the previous system, added Quinn. 

“Previously the lack of scale in some industry sectors (and by some providers) meant it was difficult to cater for all types of learners and invest more heavily in those that need greater support. Our size and scale will mean we will be better able to respond to the needs of these groups.” 

Collaboration, not competition

Collaboration between learning providers will now be possible, which will benefit learners, said Quinn. 

“One example is a pilot between Tai Poutini Polytechnic, Southern Institute of Technology and Primary ITO, which allows learners to share their time between tertiary education providers, shifting their training focus depending on work opportunities. 

“Universal College of Learning (UCOL) and BCITO have also been working together to develop a Construction Trades Supervision Level 5 programme, which builds skills in managing contracts, supervising construction methods and practices, programming work, and leading and monitoring staff. 

“Examples like this will only grow as we move from 25 organisations into an integrated network.” 

One of New Zealand’s biggest ITPs is BCITO, which supports around 21,000 apprentices and trainees.  

Despite initial concerns about the transition into Te Pūkenga – in September 2021, BCITO said “the status quo was performing well and should be maintained” – the organisation now feels that learners’ best interests lie with a nationwide approach to training thanks to the organisation taking sector feedback onboard. 

“BCITO’s initial transition into Te Pūkenga has been smooth and straightforward for both learners and employers,” it said in a statement provided to Under Construction. 

“The future transformation will bring many benefits for learners and employers. The opportunity in front of us is being able to offer more support to learners and employers and more flexibility in learning for apprentices and trainees.  

“Learners who haven’t been well served by previous systems will also be better supported, including Māori, Pasifika, and learners with disabilities. In the future, employers and apprentices will have access to a much wider set of offerings spanning on-the-job, on-campus, and online learning, which will be based on learner and employer needs. Learners will have access to wider career and pastoral care support, and benefit from a host of other initiatives.  

“Until the Te Pūkenga future operating model and transformational changes are in place, it’s business as usual for apprentices and their employers. You will continue to work with the same training advisors, and we will continue to engage with the industry.” 

The change is also designed to futureproof the industry, said Quinn. 

“We are only on the cusp of real skill shortages. We have a rising retirement rate coinciding with fewer school leavers, which means for the next 15 years or so, access to skills is going to become increasingly challenging. We cannot afford to have the vocational education system competing amongst itself and with employers for people. 

“We need to follow the examples of places like Germany and Switzerland, where employers and the tertiary system are ‘joined at the hip’ – sharing the learner for everyone’s benefit. 

“By investing in staff, most businesses discover the benefits of training and they end up with loyal and productive staff, which is very important in a tight labour market and for a firm’s productivity and competitiveness.” 

More flexibility will help learners complete their study in a way that suits them best, he added. 

“Learners will no longer be enrolled with a particular Polytechnic or ITO but will be enrolled in Te Pukenga and, for the first time, have access to all modes of delivery. This will also enable learners to move between on-the-job, on-campus and online delivery. This flexibility will be key to supporting learners and their whānau when their circumstances change.” 

No change in Canterbury

BCITO’s qualification standards- setting functions has been transferred to a new organisation called Waihanga Ara Rau, the Construction and Infrastructure Workforce Development Council. 

However, Ara Institute of Technology chief executive Darren Mitchell said that there will be no material change for learners. 

“There’ll be no change to the day-to-day teaching and learning activities of kaimahi (staff) and ākonga (learners). All relationships with kaiako (tutors), learning support services and programmes will continue. 

“Our relationships with employers, industry and communities are an integral part of delivering vocational education that meets the needs of learners in our wider region, and we value the work we do together to support learners. These relationships, and the mahi we achieve together, will continue. Supporting successful outcomes for learners remains our priority. That won’t change.”