KEY POINTS:
What's different about apprenticeships now from 20 years ago?
Modern apprenticeships retain the best of the tradition but offer a wider range of services than in the past. Now there is the support of a modern apprenticeships co-ordinator, who develops a personal training plan tailored around the needs of the employer and the apprentice. Modern apprentices are also given many more opportunities to learn other skills outside of their specific industry.
How much do I have to pay modern apprentices?
Employers will need to work out pay rates with their modern apprentices, but the minimum pay rate is the minimum wage training rate, presently set at 80 per cent of the minimum wage.
Who finds modern apprentices for my business?
Modern apprenticeships co-ordinators help employers to find young people committed to working in their industry. But employers always make the final decision about the best person for the job. This can include an existing employee being offered a modern apprenticeship.
Who pays for the education and courses needed under modern apprenticeships?
Modern apprenticeships co-ordinators are funded by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). The TEC also part-funds the training arrangements for each modern apprentice through industry training organisations (ITOs). Employers and/or modern apprentices are also expected to contribute to the cost of training, with employers being responsible for on-the-job training.
What is an industry training organisation and what is its role with apprentices?
ITOs are industry-owned organisations set up to take a leadership role around the education and training needs of the industries they represent. Part of their role is to ensure the right qualifications and training are available, and to manage training and assessments for employers and workers, including modern apprentices.
How many modern apprentices are coming through the ranks?
Each year there are more young people getting involved in modern apprenticeships. By this June, there were more than 10,000 modern apprentices in 33 industries, and more than 3,500 had successfully completed their training.
Is there a limit to how many apprentices can work in one business? How long do they take to complete?
There are no hard and fast rules. This is a decision made by the employer in consultation with a modern apprenticeships co-ordinator. Employers can also get advice about the training capacity of their business from their ITO. On average, a modern apprenticeship takes four years to complete.
Are there any age restrictions on being a modern apprentice, and are they advertised like normal jobs?
Modern apprenticeships target primarily 16 to 21-year-olds but there are exceptions to this. Modern apprenticeships are not always advertised like other job vacancies. Employers and modern apprenticeships co-ordinators have the flexibility to put prospective apprentices forward without advertising in newspapers.
Are modern apprenticeships only open to New Zealanders or can immigrants take them?
People who are legally able to work in New Zealand for up to four years can apply for modern apprenticeships. They must have New Zealand residency
