The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi is welcoming Labour’s announcement today that it will restore and expand the Apprenticeship Boost scheme if elected in November.
NZCTU Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges says the scheme’s restoration is long overdue.
“Apprentice numbers reached record highs when the original scheme was in place and fell significantly when it was cut back by the current government. This is a scheme that worked, and it should never have been cut.”
Ansell-Bridges says the expansion of the scheme addresses a real barrier to completion.
“We know from independent research that one reason apprentices don’t finish their qualification is the lack of support. Labour’s commitment to funded mentoring and structured guidance throughout an apprenticeship is exactly what is needed to turn enrolments into completions.”
The NZCTU is also welcoming the extension of the scheme to two full years, the $1,000 toolbox grant for new apprentices, and the expansion of eligible trades.
“New Zealand needs real investment in jobs to recover the economy and support working New Zealanders,” says Ansell-Bridges.
“The construction and manufacturing sectors, as well as young people, have seen tens of thousands of job losses over the past years. The expansion of the apprenticeship boost would support these workers that have been failed
“Building a skilled workforce requires long-term planning and consistent investment. Apprenticeship Boost provided that – and workers and employers will welcome its return,” says Ansell-Bridges.