B+LNZ is encouraging sheep and beef farmers to have their say on how work-based training should look in the future, helping ensure it is practical, relevant and fit for purpose for our sector.
The Food and Fibre Industry Skills Board is running a short survey to gather feedback from employers and industry as part of the Tertiary Education Commission’s planning for the future network of work-based learning.
Complete the survey by 19 July 2026.
Why this matters
The Government has made significant changes to vocational education, including disestablishing Industry Training Organisations like Primary ITO by December 2027. Learn more about the changes in this previous B+LNZ update.
B+LNZ is part of a cross-sector working group, alongside DairyNZ, Horticulture New Zealand, Seafood New Zealand and others, focused on transitioning Primary ITO to a new all-of-primary-sector training provider.
While that work continues, this survey gives farmers the opportunity to share their views more broadly on how on-farm training should be delivered in future.
Your feedback will help shape decisions about:
- What types of training providers are needed.
- How training should be delivered.
- What works best for farmers and their teams on the ground.
What we want to see
B+LNZ’s focus remains on ensuring farmers have access to practical, hands-on training that builds real capability on farm.
We’re working to ensure the future system:
- Supports strong on-job learning.
- Delivers relevant, industry-led qualifications.
- Is easy for farmers and staff to access and navigate.
The decision makers hearing directly from farmers is critical to making that happen.
A quick guide to the survey
The survey uses some education sector language that may not be familiar. Here’s a quick guide to make it easier:
Work-based learning
This simply means structured training done on the job, often alongside a provider. Examples include:
- Apprenticeships and traineeships.
- Block courses that support on-farm learning.
- Programmes where staff gain recognised qualifications while working.
Training providers you may have used
You might be asked about organisations you’ve worked with. These could include (but not limited to):
- Primary ITO.
- Growing Future Farmers.
- Cadetship programmes.
- Polytechnics or private training establishments.
- Short-course providers (e.g. chainsaw, ATV or health and safety training).
Qualifications
These are nationally recognised certifications, such as:
- NZ Certificates in Agriculture (various levels).
- Apprenticeships.
- Other formally assessed programmes.
Skills
Think broadly about the capabilities needed on farm, for example:
- Stockmanship and animal health.
- Pasture and feed management.
- Machinery and vehicle operation.
- Fencing.
- Shearing and crutching.
- Farm systems and planning.
- People management and leadership.
What happens next
This survey is focused on the long-term structure of training, not on specific providers or current learners.
At the same time, work is underway across the sector to stand up a new training organisation to take over from Primary ITO. B+LNZ will continue to provide input to ensure it meets the needs of sheep and beef farmers.
B+LNZ will continue to keep you updated on this process. Keep an eye on your e-diary.