Who we are

Training and development is at the heart of everything we do

Skills Group leads the market in vocational training, offering a wide range of educational and workforce development services. We provide lifelong learning pathways to individuals, organisations and industries.

We work with businesses, industry bodies and government agencies from all over the globe.

With 30+ years’ experience in workplace capability, it’s that expertise – and our commitment to work closely with our clients every step of the way – which has made us leaders in our field. We help our clients navigate exactly what they need (and what they don’t) and then work with them building tailored solutions from initial development right through to implementation. We believe the best workplaces recognise that productivity and wellbeing go hand-in-hand. People need to feel cared for and connected to their work – because by unlocking their potential, we drive business growth. With every solution, we make sure that people and their wellbeing are always at the very centre.

OUR LEADERS

Our people are a diverse and talented group with expertise across a multitude of areas within workplace capability, people development and education consultancy.

Our experience is internationally recognised and truly global. When you need hands-on assistance building and upskilling your workforce, you can rely on Skills Group to deliver an effective solution.

OUR STORY

Skills Group is a New Zealand-based organisation that originated in 1992 as the Electrical Apprenticeship Training Board (EATB). Established as part of a Government initiative to create Industry Training Organisations (ITOs), EATB quickly became known for delivering quality trades training.

In the 2000s, the organisation merged with or acquired smaller ITOs in different sectors such as Plumbing, Cranes, Public Sector, Real Estate, Ambulance and Financial Services, expanding its reach beyond electrical. It grew to become New Zealand’s largest Industry Training Organisation (ITO), with 25,000 learners and 12,000 apprentices, working with over 5,500 employers.

Skills Group diversified its revenue base during the 2010s by venturing into commercial activity and international consulting. It continued its growth trajectory through a series of strategic acquisitions, including:

E-tec
Tocker Associates
Workchoice
Institute of Management (IMNZ)
CDL Insight
Instep EAP
David Forman
Ignite Colleges
SoftEd
Harrington Vaughan
Premier
Industry Connection for Excellence (ICE).

In 2019, the Government proposed the sweeping Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE). This was the largest change to the educational landscape for 30 years, and meant Skills lost its ITO status. However, Skills had already become more than an ITO. It responded to RoVE’s substantial challenge by rapidly adapting to the new educational environment.

By the time RoVE took effect in 2022, Skills had reorganised to fully embrace the shift from industry training to education in its widest sense. It now offers a diverse range of training support and professional development for every age and stage of tertiary learner.

Skills is maximising human potential.

OUR BRANDS

We offer a full spectrum of services in workplace capability, vocational training, learning and development, and employee wellbeing. Talk to us about your organisation’s needs today.

Corporate Learning

Partners in Developing People

Career Transition

Coaching

Employee Health and Wellbeing

Vocational Learning

Hospitality
Culinary
Healthcare
And More

Hair
Barbering
NailTech

Electrical
Apprenticeships

Plumbing
Drainage
Gasfitting

Advanced Electrical

What brings us together?

We know industry, we deliver high quality outcomes, and we are a safe and trusted pair of hands.

We will help you achieve your people development goals. Our PTEs (Private Training Establishments) play a vital and valuable role in New Zealand’s education system. We offer diverse, flexible, and industry-relevant training programmes. PTEs enhance competition, drive innovation, and deliver quality education underpinned by flexible training models essential to supporting New Zealand’s economy. At Skills Group, we unite under a common vision — to drive growth, foster innovation, and elevate individuals and organisations to their fullest potential. Join us in shaping a future of continuous learning, development, and success.

WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE?

Our vision

To be the first-choice learning partner in our chosen markets

Our purpose

To be a global leader in maximising human potential

Our Mission

To build talent and prepare a skilled and future-fit workforce that drives personal, organisational and industry success. We work with individuals and companies to support them to reach their full potential, whether they are learning a trade, leading a team, or gaining specialist knowledge.

How do we achieve this?

We assess skills gaps, identify opportunities for performance gains and provide solutions to meet our customers’ needs.
We deliver world-class training that inspire and upskill learners, building capability so they achieve their career goals and companies can enact their strategy.
We embrace new technologies.
We offer on employment arm, by providing learners with opportunities to connect with workplaces to undertake meaningful work.
We value the transformative difference that learner success can have on the wider communities that we serve.

A member based organisation

Skills Group is a registered charity as an incorporated society, which is unique in the tertiary sector.

Our members come from the various sectors where we offer training. We return all profits to industry through our independent charity, Skills Foundation, by allocating grants that further the tertiary sector’s interests.

OUR BOARD

Cassandra Crowley

A barrister, solicitor and chartered accountant, Cassandra chairs the Skills Group Audit & Risk Committee.

Bridget O’Shannessey

Bridget has a background in Human Resources. She is the Skills board’s deputy chair.

Kevin Best

Kevin has extensive commercial and financial experience. He is an independent director.

Rod De Spong

Bringing a background in operations, Rod is a member of Skills Group’s board.

Tim Gibson

Tim is Skills Group’s board chair. An experienced director, Tim brings experience with international commerce.

Craig O’Connell

Craig brings a deep understanding of New Zealand’s trades sector to his role as a board member.

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Kick-start your training program now

Training is a huge competitive advantage. Development is one of the most valuable assets you can provide for your people.