ITP merge underway

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

From 6 October, all 16 institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs) will operate 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 2022.

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, its 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.”

No change in Canterbury

In October 2021, BCITO’s qualification standards-setting functions 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 also said that there’ll 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.”