From 1 January 2026, Bill Sole will be taking on the role of Chief Executive for the newly created Manufacturing and Engineering Industry Skills Board (ISB).
This ISB spans the full manufacturing and engineering value chain across New Zealand and brings together a diverse mix of experience, including fire engineering, print, joinery, energy, oil & gas, fabrication, food and beverage manufacturing.
The Manufacturing & Engineering ISB members are:
AMA look forward to collaborating with the ISB to create a system that responds to industry needs, anticipates future workforce demands, and provides strong, regionally responsive support for learners and employers.
Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa's work is highly complementary to this work. The ISB is where insights from our members can help shape vocational education and training at a system level.
The ISB is focused on making sure qualifications and standards keep pace with advancing technologies – from automation, robotics and advanced manufacturing through to data, AI and the growing suite of digital tools used on the shop floor and in the boardroom. The goal is a skills pipeline that’s ready for the next generation of manufacturers and engineers.
If you’re in manufacturing or engineering – from small workshops and local businesses through to large sites, national operators, suppliers, OEMs and training providers – we’d really value hearing where technology is moving faster than training, where it’s working well, and where it’s creating new skill gaps.
And if you want to back a stronger industry voice, we’d also encourage you to consider becoming part of AMA. Join us for free Join | AMAnz
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