A Whanganui vocational training provider says he expects to see continued growth in local apprenticeships following an extension to the Government's apprenticeship subsidy.
The Apprenticeship Boost was created in 2020 and pays employers bringing in an apprentice a monthly subsidy over 24 months.
AGC Training director of executives Peter Macdonald said since the subsidy was introduced he has seen a steady rise in businesses taking on an apprentice, especially in the construction sector.
"While the work is there and employers are busy they'll have to take on extra staff. If they can't get a qualified person they are looking at taking on a younger person or even an adult and putting them through an apprenticeship."
Minister of Education Chris Hipkins said the extension would support 38,000 apprentices across the country, as well as 1,600 people in the Mana in Mahi programme and more than 800 people in the Māori Trades and Training Fund.