Media Release March 22, 2000

Apprenticeships plan based on proven model

The Employers and Manufacturers Association (Northern) congratulates the Government on its new plan to introduce apprenticeship co-ordinators, which represents an expansion of the established scheme called Apprenticeship Training New Zealand.

“The new apprenticeship plan could draw fire as expensive at $27 to $29 million over the next three years, but it is based on a proven, workable model,” said EMA’s Manufacturers Division Director, Bruce Goldsworthy.

“Our survey of business conditions is recording a steeply rising trend of companies having difficulty recruiting skilled staff; 33 per cent of our survey’s manufacturers registered this issue last December; 45 per cent in January, with the figure up to about 55 per cent in February.

“Government’s swift action announced today could therefore help avert a crisis by giving employers the confidence to take on trainees.

“In fact the new scheme is more attractive and likely to be cheaper than an alternative approach which would be to give employers financial incentives to take on new apprentices as it has much more flexibility.

“There are several very positive aspects to the Apprenticeship Training New Zealand model. Neither the apprentice nor the employer are bound to a work and training contract that may prove to be unsatisfactory or unsustainable. An example is if a change in market conditions saw a business facing financial difficulties, the apprentice could switch to another employer to ensure ongoing training. If an apprentice proves to be incompatible with other employees, a similar solution could be found.

“The approach also ensures training can cover a broad range of work skills and working environments leading to a better education outcome.

“Government’s apprentice co-ordinators operating in this manner should go a long way toward achieving a win win result for apprentices, employers and the country.”

Further Comments: Bruce Goldsworthy tel 09 367 0913 (bus)
09 522 2723 (hme)

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