FROM THE GROUND UP

Our apprentice column provides an opportunity for PAC members to share their views, experiences and ideas, while providing insight for builders who employ them. This month’s question is:

Q. What support do you feel is best to encourage apprentices?

Name: Conrad
Location: Wairarapa

I don’t know if there’s a best way to encourage apprentices, but I do think schemes like Apprenticeship Boost and Fees Free are important. The Apprenticeship Boost programme specifically has been a big help to my employer, as it’s expensive to train new people. Aside from the time investment, you need to add the cost of tools for apprentices to use, and I can’t tell you how many I’ve already broken!

I’m glad the Government has extended the Apprenticeship Boost until 2023. It was due to end in August and I think that would have had a big impact. Costs are rising so fast in the industry that every dollar helps and some employers might have decided against taking on an apprentice without the extra help. Hopefully, I’ll be qualified soon and I can start to pay back my boss’ investment in me by being more productive on jobs.

I think Fees Free has helped a lot of people, who couldn’t previously afford to get into building and access training, which is great for the skills shortage. On the other hand, sometimes I think it’s important to know the value of things and use that as a motivational tool rather than getting something for free. 

Name: Morgane
Location: Otago

Being able to access a pre-trade course for free was important for me – I wouldn’t have done it otherwise and therefore wouldn’t be in the industry! I decided to do it because it was free (via The Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund), and it was only a year long, so I figured if I didn’t like building, I wouldn’t lose much – but by the time it was over I was hooked!

I didn’t want to jump straight into an apprenticeship, because I would have been locked into a four-year commitment, which seemed like a massive decision when I had no idea if I wanted to do it or not. If it wasn’t for the free pre-trade course, I probably would have ended up doing architecture instead.

I know that the scheme finishes at the end of 2022 and it would be good if that could be extended, as there could be other people in the same position as me – they just want to try it out to see if building is right for them. If fees are reintroduced, the industry could miss out on those people and right now the construction sector needs as many apprentices as possible. There’s already a skills shortage on site and most of the builders I meet are generally a bit older!

Name: Ben
Location: Canterbury

I think the Fees Free scheme has been the most important programme for apprentices. In all honesty, it was the main reason I looked at getting into the trade. I thought about going to university but it’s so much more expensive and courses are longer. One of the most attractive things for me was being able to make a steady income and not have to pay for the learning.

I’m not sure if my fees will be covered next year. I should be okay either way, because I’ve been able to earn money while not paying for the first two years of my apprenticeship. I can definitely see some people being put off coming into the trade if they have to pay.

I know for a fact the Apprenticeship Boost has been a big help to employers. When I first started, my boss only had one other apprentice and now he has taken on three more in the space of a year! 

I think the Apprenticeship Boost has led to an increase in places available to apprentices, as more businesses look to take on one or more and the Fees Free scheme encourages apprentices into the industry. Together, they create a good supply cycle, so I’m glad at least the Apprenticeship Boost has been extended.