MITO is officially returning to industry ownership following confirmation from the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) that it has approved MITO’s transition to MITO Limited from 1 January 2026, via the Transport Industry Skills Board.

MITO has been a cornerstone of workforce development for over fifty years, supporting apprentices, learners, and employers across the automotive, commercial road transport, mining, quarrying, drilling, gas, and logistics sectors. Today’s announcement marks a major milestone—the Government has approved MITO to exit Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, and the transfer of all activities and responsibilities to MITO Limited on 1 January 2026. This is a turning point for the industries that MITO serves, a transition that has been driven by industry—and backed by government.

MITO’s industries are deeply committed to apprenticeships and work-based training. Employers invest heavily in developing their people, and the strong partnership between industry, MITO, and government has enabled high-quality training that is both valued and essential. MITO’s return to industry ownership strengthens this partnership and ensures that training will continue to evolve in line with workforce needs. The TEC’s approval follows detailed assessments of MITO Limited’s readiness, capability, quality assurance, programme accreditation, and national coverage. The decision confirms the Government’s confidence that MITO Limited can deliver continuity, sector-specific expertise, and a seamless experience for learners and employers.

MITO Limited will maintain full national coverage, including regional and remote communities, and all MITO’s current qualifications and micro-credentials will remain available. MITO’s industry associations strongly support this transition and are united in their view that industry must lead its own vocational education and training to ensure agility, responsiveness, and future-focused development—training by industry, for industry.

Sturrock Saunders, Chairperson of the new MITO Limited Board, says, “Industry has always cared deeply about apprenticeships and training. We know what our workforce needs and we’re invested in building strong skill pathways. With TEC approval now confirmed, we are thrilled to move forward. MITO Limited is well positioned to deliver a future-focused, industry-led training system that supports real opportunities for learners, employers, and the sectors we serve.”