Skills Group

The New Zealand Vocational Education and Training Research Forum (NZVETRF) is back in person this November! Co-hosted by Skills Group and Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation

Join us for the 19th edition of the Forum on 17–18 November 2025 at Te Papa, Wellington. This year’s theme, “Rebuilding Together,” highlights the role of research in shaping the future of vocational education.

We’re excited to announce keynote speaker Kathryn Rowan, Executive Director of the GAN Global Apprenticeship Network – a global movement committed to advancing work-based learning and apprenticeships.

Call for Abstracts Now Open
Researchers, practitioners, and policy makers are invited to submit abstracts (max 300 words) by 5pm, 17 September 2025.
Submissions should showcase evidence-based outcomes, best practices, and innovation in vocational education – with a strong encouragement for work that honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi and incorporates Māori perspectives.

👉 Submit your abstract or register for the Forum here: https://events.humanitix.com/new-zealand-vocational-education-and-training-forum

Matariki is a time to reflect on the year that’s been and look ahead with hope.

Traditionally, Matariki was a celebration after the harvest season when communities came together to share kai, remember loved ones, and support each other through the colder months.

We know times are tough for many, and not everyone gets to celebrate with shared kai, so we’re doing our bit to help out. Across Aotearoa, our Skills Group teams have been collecting kai to donate to local whānau and community groups - a small way we can give back and support our communities.

We hope this Matariki brings you time with whānau and a moment to reflect.

Great to see the Etco, E-tec and ICE teams connecting with future tradies at the Careers Expo this week. If you’re heading along, be sure to stop by!

We’ve been having an awesome time at the Careers Expo this week!

Big thanks to everyone who stopped by and gave our hoops game a shot 🏀🙌

Got a Careers Expo coming up near you?

Swing by and say hey — we’d love to chat all things trades training in Aotearoa!

📢 Just Launched! Three All-New Solar Micro-credentials from Etec!
We’ve officially entered the solar training space — and it’s a game-changer.
Designed for electrical workers, our new NZQA-approved courses cover:
🔋 PV Systems
⚡ Battery Storage
🌱 Stand-Alone Power Systems
Learn online. Train in person. Get certified.
👉 Enrolments open 12 May. Block courses start July.
🔗 https://etec.ac.nz/solar-micro-credentials-courses/

We’re proud to celebrate the success of two of our 2024 Maori & Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT) Health & Wellbeing graduates - Suliana Vivili and Maureen Chand - who have now stepped confidently into our Level 4 programme at Skills Ignite.

Their inspiring journey has been featured by Auckland MPTT, highlighting how vocational training is opening doors to meaningful careers in healthcare for Māori and Pasifika learners.

Check out their stories here:
📰 https://www.maoripasifikatrades.co.nz/training-in-health-and-wellbeing-a-pathway-to-a-rewarding-career/
📰 https://www.maoripasifikatrades.co.nz/suliana-and-maureen-find-fulfilling-futures-in-healthcare/

Fa’afetai tele lava, ngā mihi and thank you to everyone supporting our learners and the village that uplifts them!

Today, we celebrate Anzac Day, in Te Ao Māori - Te Rā o Ngā Hōia.

At Skills Group, we honour the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of those from New Zealand and Australia who have served across generations.

Anzac Day is a time for reflection, remembrance, and gratitude. We acknowledge the immense contributions of our armed forces, remembering the past and present servicemen and women who have upheld the values of integrity, service, and peace.

We especially recognise the unique contributions of Māori and Pasifika soldiers, whose service is a proud and important part of our shared history.

Today, we stand together in remembrance. Lest we forget.

Skills Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Di Lithgow as the new Director Trades School which comprises Etco, E-tec and ICE.

Di brings extensive experience in vocational and tertiary education, having dedicated her career to improving educational systems and outcomes for learners across Aotearoa. Her ability to translate strategic vision into practical, impactful operational outcomes has been a hallmark of her leadership.

Di’s deep roots in the vocational education sector, where she has worked for Competenz, Te Pukenga and previously, Skills, combined with her people-first approach, make her exceptionally well-suited to the role.

Her commitment to fostering high-performing teams and engaging with diverse stakeholders ensures that the trades school will continue to lead in delivering high quality, industry relevant, future-focused education and training.

Di’s leadership will inspire growth, innovation, and success for learners, employers, and industry partners alike.

📢 Our Position on New Zealand’s Vocational Education and Training Work-Based Learning Consultation 📢

Skills Group has submitted its response to the Government’s targeted industry consultation on the future of work-based learning in the country’s vocational education system.

The consultation, which ran until 21 February 2025, sought industry feedback on proposed models as part of the broader reforms to the vocational education system.

After careful analysis, and drawing on our extensive operational experience, Skills Group has expressed strong support for the Independent Work-based Learning model (Option B).

You can read our submission here:

skills-group.org

Today in Aotearoa New Zealand, Skills comes together as whānau to reflect on the significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi)—honoring its history, impact, and the spirit of unity it represents. May this Waitangi Day be a time of learning, respect, and connection for all!