Skills Group

21/08/2025

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

18/06/2025

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.

12/06/2025

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!

14/05/2025

📢 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/

07/05/2025

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!

02/05/2025

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄, 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲.

𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲, 𝗔𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲.

In 2025, Skills Group launched our annual Tutor Forum to reimagine the role of education in shaping the workforce of tomorrow. Under the banner of Future Fit Together: Combining Industry Expertise with Education Excellence, this national summit brings tutors and leaders together to connect across campuses, share future-ready strategies, and strengthen our collective commitment to learner success in vocational and trades education.

Keynotes from some of our executive team - Mark Arthur-Worsop, Diane Lithgow, and Jane Kennelly - set the strategic direction for the future of learning at Skills Group. Our CEO Rosanne Graham hosted a Q&A and accepted a challenge to capture a selfie to role-model and trying new things.

Our in-house experts explored how we can lead the future of education, including:

• 𝘚𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘦𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴 with Terresa Whimp and Lee Agnew
• 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘔ā𝘰𝘳𝘪 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘬𝘢 𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 with Jarrad Mckay and Caroline Afoa
• 𝘌𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘈𝘐 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 with Andy Cooper
• 𝘚𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘶𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 with Farhan Mirza
• 𝘈𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘮𝘯𝘪 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘭 with Kate Spittal 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘚𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘱 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘚𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘴.

None of this would have been possible without a strong team behind the scenes:

• Claire Le Grice, our Head of Capability, for bringing this forum to life by sponsoring it and creating the space for tutors to grow.

• Patricia J., for scoping and project managing this forum's deliverables end-to-end.

• Veronica Worsop and Tanya Nunn, for supporting our Organising Committee leads with the time and encouragement to design an impactful forum experience.

• Our incredible Organising Committee leads - Garima Joshi and Dave Sanft- 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 team Maureen Chand, Nikhil Peter, Megan Laycock, Garvit Mohan, Lynn Cicero, and Toni Talijancich - who worked tirelessly from the start of the year to create an experience that tutors found meaningful, energising, and worth every moment.

And our brilliant Emcees - Dominique Herewini and Kate Spittal - who kept the energy high, the sessions connected, and the spirit alive.

Next Up: Wellington and Christchurch forums!

24/04/2025

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.

28/02/2025

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.

27/02/2025

📢 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: