Apprentice numbers to double

3.20pm - by PAULA OLIVER

The number of people taking part in the Modern Apprentices scheme will be doubled, Finance Minister Michael Cullen announced in the Budget speech.

"There are now over 2,500 young New Zealanders employed as Modern Apprentices in a wide and growing range of indstries," he told Parliament.

"Today, I am announcing a commitment by the Government to provide sufficient funding to double the numbers of Modern Apprentices so that we will have 6,000 in employment by December 2003.

"The increase in the apprenticeship scheme will be paid for by an extra $41 million over the next four years."

At the same time, the Government will introduce a pilot training programme aimed at Maori to help youngsters make the transition from school to schemes like apprenticeships.

The Minister of Maori Affairs, Parekura Horomia, said: "Maori know about the benefits of Maori Trade Training."

The pilot programme - costing $900,000 - will be held in Northland and the Bay of Plenty.

Full Herald coverage:
nzherald.co.nz/budget

Budget links - including Treasury documents:
nzherald.co.nz/budgetlinks