GAN New Zealand works to strengthen employer engagement in apprenticeships and vocational education, promoting inclusive pathways to work and lifelong learning. The network advocated for systemic change, shares best practices, and fosters partnerships to future-proof skills development.
Launched
2020
Hosted by
Focus areas
Inclusion
Policy Advocacy
Best Practices
Employer Engagement
Trades
Green Skills
Degree Apprenticeships
Food and Fiber
VET Attractiveness
Website
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Key Achievements
- Co-organized the Future of Apprentices Conference in 2022, connecting 170 delegates from six countries.
- Co-hosted the 2021 Asia-Pacific Technical Vocational and Education Training Forum and 2025 New Zealand Vocational Education and Training Research Forum to share best practices across the region.
- Launched a four week apprentice mobility program with GAN Australia and the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum in 2023.
- Supported initiatives to improve Māori and Pasifika participation in apprenticeships.
- Conducted a national Digital Skills Situational analysis as part of GAN Global’s Skills for Employability project.
- Hosted virtual learning events and research seminars on COVID-19’s impact on youth training and skilling.
- Showcased best practice models like Cook Brothers Construction’s Apprenticeship Academy and Te Waharoa pre-trades training program.
Projects
Digital Skills for Employability
2020-2021
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Promoting digital skilling programs, leveraging Microsoft’s tools, for underserved groups, particularly women and indigenous populations.
New Zealand Vocational Education and Training Research Forum
2025
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A two-day national forum bringing together researchers, employers, and policymakers to advance VET quality and foster collaboration across New Zealand.
Future of Apprenticeships
2023
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A conference uniting Australia and New Zealand to explore emerging trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the next generation of apprenticeships.
GAN New Zealand is pleased and delighted to support the Microsoft Skilling Initiative here in New Zealand. The Microsoft offer is a wonderful contribution to a critically necessary global upskilling effort. GAN New Zealand will support this extraordinary offer on the ground with a focus on inclusive growth, to enable new possibilities and pathways to tech careers for Māori, Pasifika, and women.
Josh Williams
Country Manager, GAN New Zealand and Head of Consulting, Skills Group
