Good news! More government support in New Zealand: eligible apprentices can train free for two years and earn a wage!

If you work in construction, these training support options are essential reading!

Although the Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) ended in December last year, apprentices and employers still have many other government support options available. Today, PlaceMakers Under Construction takes a look.

 

From 1 January 2023, some apprentices and other first-time learners can apply to have their fees covered through the Fees Free scheme.

 

The Fees Free scheme is aimed at first-time learners and can cover one year of study or two years of training, up to $12,000, with payments made directly to the training organisation.

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Be a New Zealand citizen or resident (see the Fees Free website for details).
• Have enrolled in 2021 or later, or have not completed more than half a year of full-time tertiary study at level 3 or above in any country.

 

For provider-based study, your chosen course must be funded by the Tertiary Education Commission (see the Fees Free website for the specific requirements).

 

For work-based learning, your programme must meet the following conditions:

• Be at NZQCF level 3 or above.
• Be approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
• Be funded by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) through the Delivery at Levels 3–7 (non-degree) on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework and all industry training fund (DQ3–7), and have previously been funded through the Industry Training Fund.
• Include at least 120 credits.
• Not be part of a school learning programme or a secondary–tertiary programme.

 

Enrolling in a carpentry apprenticeship through BCITO in 2023 incurs an enrolment fee of $1,750 and an annual fee of $850. Fees Free support means apprentices can receive free training for the first two years and only need to pay fees for the third or fourth year, where applicable.

 

Apprenticeship Boost applications remain open

 

Employers can also apply for Apprenticeship Boost payments through New Zealand’s Ministry of Social Development (MSD).

 

BCITO says:

 

 

If an apprentice is enrolled in a programme comprising 120 credits or more towards a BCITO Level 4 qualification, their employer can receive up to 24 months of support, with a monthly payment per apprentice of $500, capped at a total per apprentice of $12,000。

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Employers can receive support for up to 24 months, or until the scheme ends in December 2023.

 

Businesses first need to provide information such as their trading name, Inland Revenue (IRD) number and GST number. Employers also need to reconfirm with MSD each month.

 

Apprentices need to provide their employer with their IRD number, the name of their qualification and their training start date.

 

For more Apprentice Boost information,

please scan the QR code below

 

Support from several directions helps the industry grow

 

Apprentices certainly benefit from Apprenticeship Boost and Fees Free.

 

“My employer has received a lot of support through the scheme,” says Wairarapa apprentice Conrad Kotze. “Training someone new is quite expensive. In the current market, every cent helps.”

 

Meanwhile, Canterbury’s Ben McDrury says Fees Free helped him enter the construction industry.

 

I think the Fees Free scheme is the most important initiative for apprentices. For me, the biggest attraction is learning while earning a steady income, without having to pay for it.

“The Boost scheme also creates more opportunities for apprentices, because businesses are willing to take on more of them, while Fees Free encourages more apprentices to enter the industry. The two create a virtuous cycle.”

Note: This article was translated from PlaceMakers Under Construction. The translation is for reference only. Click “Read the original” at the end of the article to view the English version.

 

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