Upcoming 2026 Changes to New Zealand’s Vocational Education System

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New Zealand’s vocational education landscape is undergoing significant reform, with key changes taking effect from 2026. As part of the wider Review of Vocational Education (RoVE), the current Workforce Development Councils (WDCs) will transition to the new Industry Skills Bodies (ISBs). These changes are designed to ensure industry has a stronger voice in setting training expectations, shaping qualifications, and defining the skills needed across workplaces.

One of the most noticeable impacts for employers will be shifts in the structure and design of some training and assessment programmes. For example, courses that previously combined multiple areas into a single programme - such as Working at Heights - will move towards more streamlined, single-unit courses under the new short course framework. This change is intended to improve clarity for learners, strengthen national consistency, and ensure training remains aligned with updated regulatory requirements and industry expectations.

The Heights changes will take effect from 1st January 2026.

CLICK HERE to see our new Working at Height courses available

Basic Heights – Harness Training (US 23229)

• Changes from a half-day to a full 1-day course.
• Covers US 23229 only.
• Becomes a pre-requisite for learners wishing to complete US 15757.
• Suitable for secondary school or Gateway students and for learners new to the industry.

Height Safety Systems (US 15757)

• Delivered as a full 1-day course.
• Covers US 15757 only.
• Learners must have already achieved US 23229 and ideally have industry experience.
• Learners will be able to use temporary proprietary height safety systems with limited supervision in familiar situations.
• Not suitable for secondary school or Gateway students, or learners who are only completing basic restraint work or have no industry experience.

Employ Height Safety Equipment in the Workplace (US 25045)

• Delivered as a 1-day standalone course in the workplace.
• May also be delivered as a Day 1 option following Basic Heights Harness training.
• Important notes:
• Not intended for the construction industry or other highly specialised/high-risk applications.
• Focuses on workplaces with documented safe practices where work is carried out under supervision.
• Requires assessment in a real workplace and cannot be assessed in a simulated environment.

Safe Working at Heights (US 17600)

• Delivered as a standalone course.
• Available as a 1-day face-to-face course or through pre-recorded eLearning webinar.
• Provides learners with knowledge of:
• Safe work practices when operating at height.
• Identifying hazards and applying control measures.
• Meeting legislative requirements.

Navigating the Changes Together

We understand these changes may take some adjustment. Please be assured:

• Our standard Basic Heights and Heights Advanced courses will continue to run until the end of 2025.
• All training providers across New Zealand are making the same updates.
• Our team is here to make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible.
• We will share any further changes or guidance as soon as it becomes available.

At +IMPAC, we are actively involved in the transition and will keep you fully informed of these updates. Our team is committed to supporting your organisation through the change, ensuring your workforce remains competent, compliant, and confident in their roles.