The government is playing down the prospect of job losses in the wake of its decision to can the 11 industry training organisations and amalgamate all 16 polytechnics into one institution.
The changes, which begin in April next year, are aimed at improving New Zealand's system of apprenticeships and skills training and securing the future of the often-challenged polytechnic sector.
They will put the national polytechnic in charge of on-the-job training and give industry-driven councils the power to veto courses they don't like.
RNZ education correspondent, John Gerritsen, has been looking at reaction to the announcement and speaks to Susie Ferguson about the details.
