Yesterday’s Budget announcements included the news that the Apprenticeship Boost initiative has been extended to the end of 2024, at an expected cost of $77.1 million, including new funding of $17.1 million.
Apprenticeship Boost is a payment made to employers to help them keep and take on new apprentices.
Connexis Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says the extension is welcome news. “New Zealand is facing a significant infrastructure deficit. Apprenticeship Boost provides much-needed support to employers, who continue to face increased supply costs, to continue to invest in upskilling the workforce through taking on and retaining apprentices.”
Peter Winder, Tumuaki | Chief Executive of Te Pūkenga New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, says the extension “will be warmly welcomed by learners and employers, and contribute to meeting national skills needs.”
What is Apprenticeship Boost
- Apprenticeship Boost provides employers with subsidies to support their first and second-year apprentices while they work towards a qualification.
- The payment is made directly to employers. It means apprentices can keep earning while training towards their qualifications.
- Employers can get $500 a month, per apprentice, not including GST.
- It is available for a maximum of 24 months per apprentice or until the initiative ends in December 2024.
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
