Degree-level apprenticeships enabling framework

Degree-level apprenticeships (DLA) enabling framework

Brenden Mischewski

Introduction

This enabling framework is designed for key system stakeholders involved in the development and delivery of degree apprenticeships, including employers, industry and professional bodies, tertiary education providers, Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) and government.

It is intended to assist these key system players to align their roles, responsibilities, and investments to support high-quality, work-based1 degree programmes that are accessible, sustainable, and fit for the future of learning and work in New Zealand.

This paper builds on and extends the systems gap analysis report commissioned by ConCOVE in 20232 , drawing on experience from pilots of degree apprenticeships.

Purpose

The purpose of this enabling framework is to:

• Identify and articulate the key conditions and system settings required to support the sustainable delivery of degree apprenticeships in New Zealand.
• Provide a structured basis for policy development, regulatory adjustments, funding decisions, and sector readiness initiatives, informed by local and international experience.
• Support the design and implementation of pilots and demonstration models that test new approaches to co-delivery, assessment, learner support, and quality assurance.
• Facilitate collaboration and alignment between key actors, including tertiary education providers, employers, ISBs, government agencies, learners, and iwi/Māori partners.
• Lay the groundwork for a long-term systems shift, enabling degree apprenticeships to become a recognised, valued, and accessible pathway to higher education and skilled employment.
• This framework is intended to guide both short-term action and longer-term systems change. It builds on design discussions already held with stakeholders across the education and industry sectors and reflects principles of equity, flexibility, and partnership at its core.

Other guides in the toolkit provide detailed guidance for employers, learners and tertiary providers.