Details on the Apprenticeship Boost Initiative Progamme have finally been announced. This programme will be of benefit to members who employ eligible apprentices.

Eligible apprentices are defined as:
a. Enrolled in a New Zealand Apprenticeship with a Transitional TITO; or
b. Is enrolled in a TEC-recognised Managed Apprenticeship; and
c. Has not had their enrolment withdrawn or put on hold; and
d. Is in paid employment or a paid contracting arrangement with an applicant; and
e. Has completed no more than than 24 months of a programme of study.

Whilst Apprentice Security Technicians are not specifically named as a qualifying apprenticeship it is our understanding that they fall within the wider grouping of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Technical Electrical Engineering. We have sought confirmation on this from TEC several weeks ago but have yet to receive a response.

Employers will be able to apply for the Apprenticeship Boost whether an apprentice has just started their training programme or is nearing the end of their first two years – right up until the apprentice has completed 24 months of their training programme (while the initiative is running).

Applications for the Apprenticeship Boost open on Friday 5 August 2020 via the MSD website and will run for 20 months, see the MSD website for details on the application process.

Employers with an apprentice in their first year of the apprenticeship will be eligible for $1,000 per month, and employers with an apprentice in their second year will be eligible for $500 per month for a maximum period of 20 months.

The NZSA team.