MEDIA RELEASE
25/01/2013
Competenz Welcomes New Apprenticeship Scheme
Raising the profile of apprenticeships through the newly announced New Zealand Apprenticeship scheme is a welcome first
step in increasing apprenticeship numbers and helping ease a skills shortage says John Blakey, CEO of Competenz. “An
increased subsidy to support apprentices of any age and the removal of duplication within the system allows more money
to be invested in the front line and will help ease the considerable burden to companies who take on a four year
training commitment.”
Competenz, an Industry Training Organisation, arranges training for companies within the manufacturing sector which
includes mechanical engineering, baking, and butchery apprentices. “During the Review of Industry Training companies
told us they wanted a simple one-size-fits-all apprenticeship scheme. It’s good policy and should genuinely add to
apprenticeship numbers,” said Mr Blakey.
The announcements today come at the end of a lengthy review process which investigated the role of ITOs and the support
needed by companies doing on-the-job training. “We know from research Competenz has conducted that companies want more
pastoral care for apprentices and more support, both of which are addressed by Minister Joyce. The combination of a
financial incentive and our ability to provide front line services should go some way to easing a skills shortage by
boosting apprenticeship numbers," said Mr Blakey
ENDS