New Zealand boosts trades training programmes

The New Zealand government has announced that it is investing $230 million to the nation's trades training programmes as businesses continue to request more skilled workers.

In a statement, Education Minister Chris Hipkins said the investment under the Budget 2022 will provide for "another 24,000 apprentices getting Apprenticeship Boost support and some 14,000 to keep being supported beyond August this year."

There are already 17,000 employers involved in the programme, with the investment to open up the training programme for new employers.

"A locally trained workforce provides for greater economic security. It delivers a highly skilled workforce to build infrastructure, or design the technology needed to future-proof the economy while ensuring good jobs for New Zealanders," said Hipkins.

"Over the past two years, over 190,000 people have benefitted from government investment in trades training, including apprenticeships. There has been a 55% increase in the number of apprentices since the start of the pandemic."

According to Hipkins, the additional investment will help businesses that are requesting for more skilled workers.

"Unlike National after the Global Financial Crisis we have continued to invest in and train the New Zealanders who build our houses and upgrade our infrastructure because we know they are vital to our success and our recovery," he said.

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Meanwhile, the government said the Mana in Mahi and Māori Trades Training will also be included in the beefed-up investment.

"Funding is also being extended for Māori Trades Training. The Ministry of Social Development has established partnerships with 17 Māori entities across Aotearoa and they are delivering unique multi-year work-focused training," said Social Development and Employment Minister Carmel Sepuloni.

"The training programme is beginning to bear fruit and today's announcement provides certainty to our providers and the rangitahi who are benefiting from the scheme," she added.

For the Mana in Mahi, the Budget 2022 will also see funding for 1,600 places on the scheme over the next two years.

The programme has been able to support 4,719 young Kiwis into work and training, according to Sepuloni.