Today the Government released an employer-focused Apprenticeship Support Programme.
We wanted to offer a quick summary of what this all means and invite you to ask any questions you may have. Connexis is committed to keeping you connected and supporting your access to these funds as swiftly and easily as possible.
The Difference Between the Apprenticeship Support Programme and TTAF:
THE TARGETED TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIP FUND (TTAF) covers apprenticeship fees normally paid by the employer or trainee. This is available for trainees on eligible programmes within specific industries. This will mean if you have trainees enrolled and/or enrolling in eligible programmes, you will no longer pay enrolment fees, block course fees or assessment costs.
- This fund commences 01 July 2020 and ends 31 December 2022.
- TEC has released an initial list of programmes that are eligible. Click here to preview.
We are following up to get clarification on the eligibility of our Civil Infrastructure, Water and Electrical Supply Apprenticeships.
THE APPRENTICESHIP SUPPORT PROGRAMME is specifically to support employers to retain and bring on new apprentices. There are 3 separate employer-based funds available under this programme along with support for existing Group Training Schemes:
1. The Apprentice Boost Initiative
$380.6 million broad-based wage subsidy to support employers to retain and take on apprentices.
- Eligibility: All employers of first and second-year apprentices who are in a Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) approved New Zealand Apprenticeship or a Managed Apprenticeship.
- The trainee can have just started their apprenticeship or be near the end of their second year.
- Funding: $1,000 per month for apprentices in their first 12 months of training, and $500 per month for apprentices in their second 12 months of training.
- Maximum of $16,000 per apprentice is available
- Applications: Through the Ministry of Social Development.
- Dates: Fund is available from 20 August 2020 for 20 months.
2. Mana in Mahi programme
This is an existing programme that has had $30.3 million in new funding through extension of the funding and programme criteria. The programme supports people disadvantaged in the labour market into long-term work.
- Eligibility: Currently the programme is for people aged 18-24. This will be expanded to include people of all ages.
- The programme is currently for 12 months and will be extended to 24 months.
- Funding: Includes a wage subsidy for employers, funding for pre-employment training, ongoing access to pastoral care and incentive payments for participants.
- Wage subsidy will be increased up to $16,000 for first year participants and $8,000 for a second-year participant.
- Dates: From August 2020 the programme support will be extended.
- Applications: Through Work and Income email: Mana_in_Mahi@msd.govt.nz or call 0800 778 008
- Click here for more information
3. The Regional Apprenticeships Initiative
This is a new regional apprenticeship scheme which will invest in apprenticeships in regional New Zealand and particularly support displaced workers and Maori and Pacific people into jobs. More detail on this will be released shortly.
We have had some preliminary involvement and can help make connections if you have apprentices who might fit the criteria.
Group Training Schemes
Seven existing industry-based training programmes which employ apprentices and trainees and provide related services to host employers will be provided $19 million worth of additional funding. This funding will be provided by TEC who will be contacting the eligible schemes direct.
If you have laid off an apprentice, you can rehire that apprentice and receive support from the Apprentice Boost initiative.
All employers who have an apprentice will be able to receive a base subsidy rate up to $12,000 per annum for first year apprentices and $6,000 per annum for second year apprentices, through the Apprentice Boost Initiative, to a cap of $16,000 total.
Mana in Mahi and some Regional Apprenticeship participants will get a higher subsidy to reflect the different level of need of individual apprentices (or pre-apprentice trainees) involved.
We will continue to update you as more details are made available. If you have a burning question, feel free to email it through to us here and we will reply once we have the required information available or have a Customer Service Account Manager (CSAM) contact you.
