Skills for Good - December 2025: Transition into ISB, 2026-27 prospectus, and more

Kia ora koutou

As we wrap up 2025, I want to acknowledge what has been a year of significant change and momentum across our sectors. For us at Careerforce, we are now on the final approach to our transition out of Te Pūkenga and into the newly established Education, Health and Community Industry Skills Board (ISB) on 1 January 2026. I can assure you that our focus remains firmly on continuity for workplaces and learners, and on the real-world outcomes that work-based learning delivers.

We’re delighted to share in this newsletter that this year’s ninth annual employer survey returned a record satisfaction score, reflecting the strength of our partnerships and your trust in Careerforce. Thank you for your honest feedback and for the support you’ve shown our team throughout 2025, it’s helped us lift our performance and sharpen our priorities for the year ahead.

On behalf of the Careerforce team, thank you again for your partnership this year. We wish you and your whānau a happy, safe, and restful festive season.

Ngā mihi nui

Rod Bentham
Executive Director, Careerforce

A big thank you to all our employers who took the time to complete our ninth annual Careerforce employer survey over November. Your feedback is invaluable, as it helps us understand what’s working well and where we can improve, so we can better support you and your teams.

Whilst we await the full report, we’re thrilled to share some fantastic topline results from this year’s survey:

Record satisfaction score of 8.14 (out of 10) – continuing the steady improvement since the survey began in 2017.
Net Promoter Score (NPS) of +43, well above the tertiary education benchmark of +22 (2024), and up on last year’s score of +38
476 survey completions, nearly double the number from our first survey.

While we’re proud of these topline results, we know there’s always room to do better. We expect to receive the full report early in the new year, and as with all previous years, we will share further results, but perhaps more importantly, share how we intend on acting upon your feedback to support continued growth in employer satisfaction.

Ngā mihi nui for your honesty and support.

As we shared earlier this month, Careerforce will formally transition out of Te Pūkenga and into the newly established Education, Health and Community Industry Skills Board (ISB) on 1 January 2026.

For us as Careerforce, and for our employers and learners, it’s very much business as usual. Careerforce will continue to operate as a distinct division within the ISB, ensuring continuity of service and support. The ISB will be governed by a new board, bringing strong sector expertise and leadership. The confirmed members for the Education, Health and Community ISB are:

Jen Pelvin (Chair)
Dr Vanessa Caldwell
Stewart Eadie
Tamati Shepherd-Wipiiti
Orquidea Tamayo Mortera – MNZM

Additional appointments will be announced shortly, and the board will be fully in place by March 2026. The ISB’s Chief Executive will be Hina Davis, who brings extensive experience in governance and corporate engagement.

The ISB’s initial focus will be on establishing its core functions, including standard-setting responsibilities held until now by Workforce Development Councils.

Please note that, as a result of our transition out of Te Pūkenga, a new training agreement will be available on our website from 1 January, and it is important that this is used for any new enrolments.

We’ll keep you updated as more details emerge, but for now, thank you for your continued support as we move into this exciting new chapter.

Careerforce has marked a major milestone with its 4,000th apprenticeship graduate, celebrating Makayla Cole, who has completed her Level 4 Apprenticeship in Diversional Therapy. While the number is significant, Makayla’s story highlights the deeper impact of on-the-job apprenticeships across Aotearoa’s care sector.

Makayla’s journey into care began as a teenager when she became the primary caregiver for her nana after a TIA (transient ischemic attack). Inspired by this experience, she volunteered at a rest home through school Gateway programmes and was later employed as a caregiver. She eventually joined the activities team at BUPA Crofton Downs and began her Careerforce apprenticeship, supporting residents to live meaningful, connected lives.

During her training, Makayla faced personal challenges, including the sudden loss of her nana and managing fibromyalgia while working full time. She credits her apprenticeship with building her confidence, skills, and ability to advocate for both herself and residents.

Her determination has been praised by her Apprenticeship Advisor and employer, who emphasise how apprenticeship training benefits individuals, teams, and residents alike.

Our latest Careerforce prospectus is now available, showcasing the full range of programmes and qualifications we offer. Inside, you’ll learn what sets us apart, including our dedicated support for both employers and learners (from page 8) and explore the Careerforce Difference, highlighting what makes our approach truly unique (page 5).

We hope this prospectus helps you plan your workforce development strategy and identify the clear pathways available for your staff.

To find out more, download the prospectus or connect with one of our Workplace Advisors, local experts who understand your challenges and are ready to support your goals.

In the heart of Te Awamutu, a youth service is already changing lives, and now, through its partnership with Careerforce, it is set to make an even bigger impact. Ko Wai Au, a mentoring and advocacy service for rangatahi aged 14 to 24, was born from a dream shared by Gina and Andrew Christie.

The service began in March 2023 after the couple recognised a growing need for youth support in their community. Ko Wai Au provides intensive one-on-one mentoring, with referrals from Police, Oranga Tamariki, MSD, schools, and local services. Each rangatahi is supported to set goals and re-engage with education, training, or employment.

Alongside mentoring, Ko Wai Au offers hauora support, driver licensing, first aid training, school-based programmes, and mana-enhancing initiatives focused on identity, resilience, and community connection.

A key part of their success is investing in their kaimahi. Partnering with Careerforce, staff completed the Level 4 Apprenticeship in Whānau, Community and Social Services (Youth Work), supported by Apprenticeship Advisor Naida King. The training has strengthened skills, confidence, and staff retention.

The Careerforce offices will be closed for the traditional holiday period. Offices close from midday Wednesday 24 December and re-open on Monday 5 January 2026.

For those of you with learners using Aka Toi, our online learning and assessment platform, this will remain available for them to continue their learning during the holiday period. Learners can still work on their assessments over the holidays and submit them to their assessor for marking. Careerforce support won’t however be available until Monday 5 January 2026.