A boost for apprenticeships

It’s good news for employers hoping to get new apprentices on board to train and upskill.

The Government is extending its Apprenticeship Boost scheme, helping employers keep and take on more apprentices.

BCITO, a division of Te Pūkenga subsidiary Work-Based Learning fully supports this extension.

Director of BCITO, Jason Hungerford, says that Apprenticeship Boost is essential for training the skilled pipeline of workers needed in the building and construction industry.

“With record demand for construction work, and despite current supply chain issues, New Zealand needs qualified workers more than ever.”
BCITO has seen rapid growth in its apprentice numbers, which are now at record levels since the scheme was introduced in 2020.

“At the end of March 2022, we had 21,600 apprentices undertaking training across our 15 trades. This is up an astonishing 55 percent from the 13,900 apprentices in August 2020. The number of employers supporting apprentices has increased from 6900 to 9500 in the same time period, demonstrating how important this support is for businesses.”

This gives employers support to continue training apprentices, particularly with some of the challenges currently being faced, such as the supply of building materials.