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Paerewa Ako me te Marautanga ā-motu | Skill standards and ‘national curriculum’ sector working group
The purpose of the skill standards and ‘national curricula’ co-design process is to support the implementation of the RoVE legislation and the Government’s decision to simplify New Zealand qualifications and other credentials.
The delivery of a simplified qualifications and credential system requires the development of two new education products: skill standards and ‘national curricula’ (final name to be determined).
Skill standards are intended to be the core building blocks of vocational qualifications and some other qualifications and credentials. They will be listed at Levels 1-7 and will be components of qualifications up to Level 7 New Zealand Diplomas.
It is anticipated that skill standards and ‘national curricula’ will be able to be developed from the start of 2023.
Te Horopaki |Background
NZQA manages the New Zealand Qualifications Framework and formally sets the rules that ensure the quality of qualifications listed on the framework. In collaboration with stakeholders, NZQA ensure the framework and associated educational products remain relevant for employers, industry, communities and learners.
The skill standard and ’national curricula’ co-design work programme is part of a wider sector conversation that commenced with engagement meetings in 2020, and was further explored in 2021 as part of our simplifying New Zealand qualifications and other credentials consultation.
In September 2021, NZQA announced changes to the design of vocational qualifications. To enact the decisions, the Minister of Education has amended the Education and Training Act 2020.
The diagram below outlines the stakeholder engagement process that is underway for the development and implementation of skill standards and ‘national curriculum’.
Click here for a larger version of the diagram (PNG, 295KB).
Ngā Tukanga o te Mahi Ngātahi |Co-design Engagement Process
The co-design process is led by Te Rāngai Ohu Mahi - Paerewa Ako me te Marautanga ā-motu | Skill standards and ‘national curriculum’ sector working group. This group is co-chaired by NZQA and Workforce Development Councils (WDCs).
Group members have been drawn from WDCs, Te Pūkenga, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, TITOs, Universities, Schools, PTEs, GTE, Tertiary Education Union, TEC, MoE and NZQA.
The sector working group has now developed criteria for the recognition of skill standards and ‘national curricula’. They have also developed exemplars of skill standards.
These were used to inform broader sector engagement and consultation. The consultation informed the development of NZQA Rules and guidance.
Proposed changes to Rules were drafted by NZQA and consulted on across September/October 2022.
Next steps
Following consideration of the feedback received from consultation, proposals must be approved by the Board of NZQA and the Minister before being made.