MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday 17 December 2019
CONFIRMATION OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCILS
ALIGNS WITH THE FUTURE OF WORK, SAYS INDUSTRY TRAINING CHIEF
“The best possible news” is the reaction of Competenz, one of the country’s largest industry training organisations
(ITOs) in the wake of today’s Education Minister Hon Chris Hipkinsconfirmation of the structure of the Workforce Development Councils (WDCs), which are part of the Government’s overhaul of the Vocational Education sector.
Under the new system, current ITOs will be disestablished, and part of their responsibilities will be handed over to the
WDCs. The new WDC responsibilities will include: setting standards for qualifications, unit standards and other skill
standards; skills leadership; consistency of assessment and learner outcomes; advising on funding and industry
brokerage. WDCs won’t be directly involved with arranging training.
Six industry-led WDCs will be established: Manufacturing, Engineering, Logistics and Technology; Creative, Cultural and
Recreation; Primary Industries; Service Industries; Health, Community and Social Services - and Construction and
Infrastructure.
Fiona Kingsford, Competenz Chief Executive says the ITO wholeheartedly supports the Minister’s announcement to form six
skills-aligned WDCs.
“This is aligned to the feedback our industries provided during consultation so it’s encouraging their views were
listened to and to see this structure has been adopted.
“Competenz will continue to work with the Government, MITO, NZMACITO, Primary ITO, Service IQ and industry
representatives to develop the structure and governance arrangements of the Manufacturing, Engineering, Logistics and
Technology WDC. This grouping supports the future of work ensuring New Zealand has a strong workforce that has the
skills and capabilities to keep pace with automation and technology changes in our industries.”
She says Competenz will also support forestry, journalism, graphic design and signmaking to ensure the same seamless
process is undertaken for their transfer to the Primary WDC and Creative WDC.
“Collaboration with Government officials and all relevant ITOs during this process will be the key to ensuring that
there’s no disruption to our employers and learners during the transition.
“Please rest assure there will be no change to the current services and support our employers, learners, industry
associations and other key stakeholders receive from Competenz throughout the transition. The final date for transition
for all functions is 31 December 2022, with all WDCs being established by June 2021,” said Fiona.
She says the Government has confirmed their next steps will be to further engage on the WDC establishment process early
next year, and support industry to identify their governance arrangements and Board appointment process for the WDC’s.
Confirmed WDC coverage:
WDC CoverageGeneral Coverage AreasCreative, Cultural and Recreation
Graphic, creative and web design, game development, museums, libraries and archiving, performing arts , film and music,
hairdressing and beauty therapy, communications, recreational facilities/venues and sport
Primary Industries
Agriculture, horticulture, fishing, aquaculture, equine, silviculture and harvesting, and sports turf management
Service Industries
Wholesale trade, retail trade, accommodation and food services, tourism, cleaning, rental, hiring/leasing and real
estate services, contact centres, business services, and financial services
Health, Community and Social Services
Health care, social support services, funeral and embalming, offender management, emergency services, and education
Manufacturing, Engineering, Logistics and Technology
Manufacturing and processing, extractives and drilling, transport (including heavy and commercial), postal, warehousing,
engineering, and information and communications technology (development and systems engineering) industries
Construction and Infrastructure
Construction (including heavy, civil and residential) and associated industries and trades, and infrastructure including
water supply, electricity and gas transmission, road and bridge building, and sewage
-ends-