Connexis supports the extension of Apprenticeship Boost, as announced by Education Minister Chris Hipkins yesterday.
The Government has pledged $230 million to extend the Apprenticeship Boost wage subsidy to the end of 2023. It was previously set to end on 4 August 2022.
Connexis Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says this is welcome news.
“New Zealand is facing a significant infrastructure deficit. Apprenticeship Boost provides much-needed support to employers to upskill the workforce to carry out these essential upgrades.
It will be especially welcome given the current supply chain issues which are driving up costs in the industry.”
Kaarin points out that the funding extension will not only “help carry the burden of training apprentices in the short term but will also help build the qualified and competent infrastructure workforce in the long-term.”
Since Apprenticeship Boost was introduced in 2020, there has been a significant uptick in infrastructure apprenticeship training. At the end of March 2022, we had 4,769 learners enrolled in apprenticeships and other training programmes across the Civil, Energy, Telco and Water sectors. This is a 55% increase on the 3,068 figure from August 2020.
Changes to levels of funding for first-year apprentices
While Apprenticeship Boost, which provides wage subsidies to employers of workers enrolled in apprenticeship training, has been extended, it is important to note that the amount to be paid out to employers in the first year of training has been changed.
- Employers of first-year apprentices were previously eligible for $1000 per month in support. From 5 August 2022, the first-year subsidy rate will lower to $500 per month.
- There is no change to the second-year subsidy rate, which will remain at $500 per month.
Want to learn more?
To find out more about Apprenticeship Boost or to apply for the scheme, visit the Work and Income website: https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/employers/subsidies-training-and-other-help/apprenticeship-boost/index.html
