As part of the new vocational education and training system, WDCs ensure that industry needs are met.

We provide industries and employers with greater leadership and influence across vocational education.

Our support is now required before education providers can seek approval from NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority) for micro-credentials.

The benefits of getting support from a WDC is that they understand industry needs and the qualifications system well.

If you’re an education provider looking to register a micro-credential, we encourage you to look for relevant workforce development information published on our websites to check if your planned micro-credential meets industry needs.

Talk to a WDC about your plans early in the development process so that we can give you advice about your planned micro-credential.

To list a micro-credential on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) you need to apply to the relevant WDC for a letter of support.

Once you have developed your micro-credential, you will need to complete the NZQA micro-credential application form, and our application, before approaching us for support.

We will review your application and consider the following:

1. Does it add value to industry, learners and community?
2. Does it meet an industry need?
3. Does it have a coherent structure?
4. Does it address a skills or pathway gap?

Support from a WDC does not guarantee that NZQA will list the micro-credential or that Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) will fund it.