E T welcomes additional money for apprenticeship training

The union, E t has welcomed the pre-budget announcement of extra funding to put more young workers into apprenticeships.

E t’s Industry Co-ordinator, Engineering and Infrastructure, Ron Angel says trades are a good option for school leavers.

“Any money invested in good quality training is an investment for the future. Not everyone can go to university. We need more skilled people in this country.”

This year’s Budget will include $14.4 million over four years to fund apprenticeship training.

Also allocated is an extra $9.6 million over four years to provide for more Māori and Pasifika Trades Training

The funding is expected to support another 5,500 apprenticeships by 2020, in key areas such as engineering, plumbing, construction and manufacturing.

Ron also urged employers to view the money spent on apprentices as a good investment, and not a cost.

“We also need employers to pay decent wages for people while training and when they qualify, to retain them in this country when they complete their training.”

ENDS

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