The Workforce Development (WDC) Councils each have a sector of industries that they connect with to give greater voice between industry and vocational education providers. Providers require WDC endorsement before NZQA will approve a programme that leads to a qualification. NZQA has the legal responsibility for programme approval under section 439 of the Education and Training Act 2020.
The Workforce Development Council considerations focus on specific industries and reflect WDC functions as detailed in Section 366 of the Education and Training Act 2020 Education and Training Act 2020 No 38 (as at 01 January 2022), Public Act 366 Functions of workforce development councils – New Zealand Legislation and each WDC’s Orders in Council.
In considering the programme:
For any new, or Type 2 change to an existing programme providers need to request programme endorsement from a WDC before submitting it to NZQA to seek approval. We encourage providers to engage with us at the earliest opportunity so we can better support and progress the application.
The considerations are the factors your application should address. The WDC will use these to measure or consider your programme for endorsement. The consideration questions differ from the old programme ‘support’ questions.
The six considerations:
If your program has already been approved by NZQA you do not need endorsement from the Workforce Development Councils.
We understand that some considerations may not be applicable to your programme. Please contact us to check or ask for clarification before you start to develop your programme. There is no fee for us to review and provide support for your proposed programme.
The WDC will be in touch directly to help resolve any concerns about the programme.
WDCs understand there will be a transition to the new considerations. We encourage early engagement to work through these and identify these considerations in your programme.
We encourage you to contact the WDCs directly.
You must submit your request to the WDC that is the qualification developer for the qualification that your programme leads to. Search for the qualification by keyword or qualification number on the NZQF(external link). Click on the qualification to view the name of the current WDC qualification developer.
