10,000 ‘Re-Boot’ grants up for grabs

The first 10,000 new apprentices who sign up for training as of 6 March are eligible for a government grant of either $1000 or $2000 (depending on the trade), to help pay for equipment and off-job training.

BCITO Level 4 apprenticeships eligible for the $2000 grant include carpentry, tiling, masonry, brick and block laying, concreting and plastering. Employers will receive a grant equal to that of the apprentice, for as many apprentices that are signed up.

This deal is only available through Industry Training Organisations, such as the BCITO. It is not available through polytechnics or any other training providers.

Given the 10,000 grants are across all industries in NZ, it is impossible to say how long they will be available for.

How can you claim a grant?

Apprentices will need to be in a registered training agreement for 90 days before applying for a grant. This means the earliest that new apprentices can apply is 4 June. Employers must apply for their grant alongside their apprentice.

As a general rule, if the apprentice doesn’t qualify for a grant, neither will the employer.

For instructions on how to claim the funding, visit www.tec.govt.nz. The BCITO will also notify eligible apprentices and their employers via mail when the time comes.

Rules

This is a government initiative and is not being run by the BCITO. Therefore, the BCITO cannot guarantee grants for anyone. Full terms and conditions are available on the Tertiary Education Commission’s website – www.tec.govt.nz

To be eligible for the Re-Boot subsidy, apprentices must:

• Have signed a new industry training agreement commencing on or after 6 March 2013.

• Have been actively training for at least 90 days.

• Be either:

– An apprentice/trainee enrolled in a programme of study of at least 120 credits at Level 4 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).

– A Modern Apprentice enrolled in a programme of study at Levels 3 or 4 on the NZQF (for 2013 only).

• Not be in employment subsidised by a Ministry of Social Development (MSD) wage subsidy or other government funding.

• Have not already received, or applied for, other government funding for tools and equipment.

Apprentices will need to be in a registered training agreement for 90 days before applying for a grant