No Government funding for top apprentices
The Government should help fund excellence in apprenticeships, says National’s Education spokesman, Bill English.
He is commenting after visiting the SkillEX national finals in Wellington this weekend – a competition for the nation’s
top apprentices.
“Labour wastes millions on bureaucrats achieving very little, but won’t help our top apprentices lift standards in the
trades.
“They could start by offering to help fund the SkillEX winners and their support teams to the WorldSkills international
competition in Japan next year.
“SkillEX is a showcase of skills that drive our economy. This competition sets national standards of excellence in the
trades. This year, Aussie competitors provided a benchmark for trans-Tasman excellence.
“This competition has strong support from trades industries but it deserves better backing from the Government. I am
advised that it wouldn’t happen at all without strong support from armed services. They should be congratulated for
their generosity,” says Mr English.
Ends