NZSAE has been advised of an upcoming call for nominations to Industry Skills Boards, overseen by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). This is a significant opportunity for association executives and senior leaders with an interest in workforce development, vocational education, and training.

There are eight Industry Skills Boards, each playing a critical role in shaping training and workforce priorities across New Zealand:

• Transport
• Construction & Specialist Trades
• Food & Fibre
• Energy & Infrastructure
• Manufacturing & Engineering
• Services
• Education, Health & Community
• Electrotechnology & IT

Each Board currently has five members, with a further three appointments per Board to be made by 31 March 2026.

Why this matters

Industry Skills Boards:

• Set training and skills standards
• Endorse and moderate vocational training programmes
• Advise government on funding priorities
• Undertake workforce and skills analysis
• Act as the sector voice on education and training

For association leaders, this is a genuine opportunity to influence the future skills pipeline for your sector and represent industry needs at a national level.

Appointment details

• Board fees: approximately $30,000 per annum
• Term: 2–4 years
• Experience: strong governance, sector knowledge, and workforce or training insight are key

Key dates

• Nominations open: 21 January 2026
• Nominations close: 18 February 2026 (5.00pm)
• Appointments confirmed: by 31 March 2026

A wider opportunity for associations

In addition to Board appointments, the regulations require each Industry Skills Board to formally engage with industry associations and peak bodies.

This presents a potential opportunity for NZSAE — and for member associations — to:

• Act as a recognised conduit for sector consultation
• Support member input into skills and training discussions
• Strengthen the role of associations in workforce planning

NZSAE will continue to explore where this aligns best with our coverage and member capability.

Further information

• What Industry Skills Boards are:
  https://www.tec.govt.nz/strategic-initiatives/vocational-education-system/industry-skills-boards
• Details on the eight Industry Skills Boards (operational from 1 January 2026):
  https://www.tec.govt.nz/strategic-initiatives/vocational-education-and-training-vet-system/changes-to-the-vocational-education-and-training-vet-system/industry-skills-boards

Links to the nomination process will be shared once they go live on the TEC website.

If you’re considering applying and would like to talk it through, feel free to get in touch.

Here for associations
Brett