The EEA welcomes the Government’s decision to establish a standalone Infrastructure Industry Skills Board as part of the Government’s vocational education and training reforms.
The EEA along with other infrastructure bodies submitted on the importance of a standalone infrastructure ISB.
“We are delighted with Minister Simmonds announcement today, says EEA Chief Executive Nicki Sutherland.
“Infrastructure is a national priority, and a dedicated Infrastructure Industry Skills Board (ISB) is essential to creating a skilled and resilient workforce to support the delivery and growth for Aotearoa.”
Nicki Sutherland says electricity sector training is often bespoke, high cost and low value but incredibly important.
“Having a standalone Infrastructure ISB that can focus on our workers’ (and their employers’) needs will be a game changer.”
Like the Australian model, the new Infrastructure ISB brings traditional and new forms of energy supply under the same ISB, a critical step to better enable transition planning.
“It’s exciting to see electricity supply, water, civil, gas, and other energy brought together under the new ISB. This could enable skills based training and transferable skills across the wider infrastructure sector – unlocking better career opportunities for infrastructure workers and a bigger pool of talent for the electricity sector.”
The ISB will be established over the coming months under the direction and governance of an establishment board which will have electricity sector representation.
The ISB will come into effect on 1 January 2026.
The Government has been crystal clear that it wants the new system to be industry led.
“Industry needs to be ready to meet expectations that we have an industry-led system. Government expects all employers in our industry to be engaged and vocal, communicating their needs and perspectives. That requires a coordinated effort across the sector, and one we are happy to help lead”.
“The EEA is re-establishing our national standing committee on workforce capability to bring together the diverse experience and perspectives of our sector to ensure it has a strong and balanced voice. This includes contributing to what it will mean for the anticipated shift in delivery from the work-based learning divisions of Te Pukenga to industry-led private training enterprises.”
Find out more about our standing committee for workforce capability here.
Media contact: Sally Aitken 021992886
