The New Zealand government is extending support for trades training programmes that see tens of thousands of New Zealanders in jobs and training, helping accelerate economic recovery, according to an announcement from Education Minister Chris Hipkins and Social Development and Employment Minister Carmel Sepuloni ahead of the country’s Budget 2022 set to be published on 19 May 2022.

The Budget is expected to see the Apprenticeship Boost extended to the end of 2023, supporting 38,000 apprentices.

Hipkins said, “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.”

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

“A key message we hear from business is they need more skilled workers,” Hipkins continued. “A NZD 230 million (USD 145.0 million) investment as part of Budget 2022 provides 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 and today’s investment means new employers can join up.”

“In recognition of the significant growth in apprentices since 2020 and the employment strength in the New Zealand economy, and to extend the initiative at reasonable cost, the first-year subsidy rate will lower to NZD 500 (USD 315) per month from 5 August 2022. The second-year subsidy rate will remain at NZD 500 (USD 315) per month until the initiative ends in December 2023,” Hipkins said.