Muka Tangata, with the Food and Fibre Centre of Vocational Excellence, has developed a new skills framework that supports a radically simplified qualification structure, and will enable greater flexibility for ākonga (learners) and transferability of skills across industries in the food and fibre sector. 

The project comprises of the skills framework and accompanying research report and recommendations paper. These were developed in collaboration with people in the food and fibre sector, including Māori, and build on the ideas proposed by our A New Approach to Learner Pathways report, published in January 2023. 

Central to the framework are the following pillars: 

• Core transferable skills: where current skills can be built on in other areas of work 

• Core technical skills: generic skills common to most industries in the sector 

• Specialised technical skills: industry-specific skills or knowledge 

• Bodies of knowledge: in-depth understanding in other key areas 

Te ao Māori is also embedded throughout the framework and project. 

We took a skills-first approach which allows for the recognition of the necessary skills, knowledge, and attributes to succeed in a given role, beyond those only gained through formal qualifications. 

The framework also supports our ongoing engagement with industry, allowing food and fibre businesses to identify key skills or areas in qualifications that require further attention or recognition. 

We will continue to update the framework based on feedback as the needs of the sector change and develop. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View the Skills framework and collateral › 

Read the Research Report › 

Read the Recommendations Paper ›