The transition from secondary school to tertiary education is a huge leap, and some students need more encouragement than others.
Having easily accessible educational opportunities is paramount to ensuring the success of our young people.
In January, Prime Minister John Key announced an Apprenticeship Reboot, designed to get more apprentices qualified and into priority trades. These include construction, infrastructure, engineering, and electro-technology trades, the anticipated demand of which will increase considerably as we make progress with the Christchurch rebuild and the development of the Government’s housing project in Auckland.
Under this scheme, the first 10,000 new apprentices enrolled from March 6, 2013 will receive access to $1000 subsidy towards their tools and off-job course costs, or $2000 subsidy if they are in priority trades.
The subsidy will also be extended to employers, for each apprentice intake.
The reboot has achieved success, particularly in the Auckland region, with the number of apprentice enrolments increase from 1203 covering March to October 2012 to 2031 during the same period this year.
Responsible system
A responsive industry training system is essential to give people the skills and qualifications they need, and this reboot has made a significant contribution towards meeting our Better Public Services target of 55% of 25 to 34 year-olds gaining Level 4 or above qualification.
The expansion and improvements that we are making to the Apprenticeship Programme is focused on delivering and increasing quality opportunities for in-work training for all New Zealanders.
The National-led Government is supporting New Zealanders into vocational careers that will set them up for their working lives.
The success of our young people is essential to our country’s success, and with these changes, we offer young New Zealanders greater opportunities to build a brighter future for themselves and for New Zealand.
Dr Cam Calder is Member of Parliament (Manurewa) on National Party List.
