Education and Training
There has never been a better time for employers to invest in upskilling their workforce, with a range of funding initiatives put in place post-Covid 19 still available.
The Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF, also known as free trades training) targets all trades in the Primary Industries where there are skills needs. From July 1st 2020 through to 31 December 2022, Tertiary Education Organisations will be offering education and training without fees to learners for:
- All apprenticeships
- Level 3-7 sub-degree programmes (e.g., certificates and diplomas) delivered by tertiary providers (including Polytechs and Private Training Organisations)
- Industry training, outside of apprenticeships (refer to here for the list of courses covered)
Horticulture apprenticeships are available through the Primary ITO. For anyone interested in employing an apprentice or in starting an apprenticeship go to https://www.letsgrow.co.nz/. All training and assessment fees will be paid by the TTAF, for both new and existing apprentices. Please see here for more details.
Apprenticeship support programme (apprenticeship boost) – this recognises that apprentices need more support from their employers in their first two years while they are training and developing their skills. For apprentices enrolled in a recognised apprenticeship course, employers can apply to receive the Apprenticeship boost through MSD. This will pay $1000/month for apprentices in their first year, and $500/month for those in their second year. Further information can be found here
Regional Apprenticeship Initiative (RAI) – a regional apprenticeship scheme, funded by the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF), was introduced to support displaced workers and Maori and Pacific people into jobs. Although this is now closed to new applicants funding can still be applied for through the third-party providers listed here.
Mana in Mahi extension – Mana in Mahi, a programme available through MSD, was launched in Aug 2018, and helps employers provide support for employees to move into long-term work and gain formal industry qualifications. Initially designed for employers to take on young workers, it has now been extended to workers of all ages. This support is now to be extended from 12 to 24 months, including a wage subsidy of up to $16,000 for first year participants and up to $8,000 for second year participants. Additional pastoral care and other support is also provided. For employers more details are available here.
Lincoln University is also offering a fees waiver for domestic students in a range of courses related to the food and fibre sector, at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. This applies until the end of 2021. For more details see here.