Government Support Programme

Right now, we’re working with the Government on how this will work. But you don’t need to wait for that to start training. If you have a Primary ITO training adviser already, contact them to discuss your training needs, or email info@primaryito.ac.nz or 0800 20 80 20.

The training comes under the Government’s Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund, which will pay the fees of learners in our industries, studying at Levels 3 and above on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework. 

The list of our programmes eligible for this fund is here. Please note programmes will be added to this list from 6 July 2020.

What this means is there’s never going to be a better time to invest in training and to encourage people into our sector with the prospect of a great career.

Supporting employers with apprentices

If you’re an employer, you may also be able to take advantage of the Government’s “Apprenticeship Boost”, which will pay up to a total of $16,000 across the first two years of an apprenticeship.

The money will be paid directly to employers by the Ministry of Social Development. For first year apprentices, this is worth $1000 a month, and for the second year it is $500 a month. It is available from 1 August this year until April 2022. For more information click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about the new “Free Trades Training”

Am I eligible for Free Trades Training

If you study with Primary ITO, you won’t have to pay for any of our apprenticeships, or for most of our certificates, diplomas and micro-credentials at levels 3-7 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework. Please contact us if you have a question about whether a specific programme is included.

How long will my fees be covered for?

Free Trades Training will cover training fees from 1 July 2020 until 31 December 2022.

Do I need to apply to the fund to get my training paid for?

No. Learners do not need to apply for Free Trades Training. If you are enrolled in an eligible training programme, then your fees will be automatically covered. Primary ITO will not need to ask you to pay.

What fees are covered?

If you train in one of the eligible programmes with Primary ITO, Free Trades Training covers all the fees that you (or your employer) would previously have had to pay to Primary ITO for training and assessment. Some other costs of training like accommodation and travel on a field trip are not covered.

Can I still benefit if I am already studying or have paid my fees for 2020?

If you have already enrolled or started an eligible programme that is continuing past 1 July 2020, then your fees will be partly covered. This means your training will be free for the part of the programme that happens after 1 July, and you may receive a part-refund.

If you are in a programme that started just before 1 July 2020, the training for this slightly earlier start date may also be covered.

Will the Government cover the fees for non-New Zealand residents?

Yes. Free Trades Training will also pay the training fees of non-residents providing they meet the conditions of a training agreement.

What’s the sign-up process for New Zealand Apprenticeships going to look like?

The sign-up process for New Zealand Apprenticeships will be the same as it is currently, and the training agreement will still state that fees may be charged. However, the fees will be paid by the Tertiary Education Commission and not by the trainee or the employer (for up to the first 20 months of an apprenticeship).

I am already training under the Government’s existing “Fees Free” scheme? Can I use this new Free Trades Training instead?

Yes. The Tertiary Education Commission will automatically pay for your training under the new Free Trades Training instead. That means your remaining “Fees Free” entitlement is paused and can be used later.

If you are currently on the existing Fees Free scheme, and are not training in programme eligible for the new Free Trades Training, you will continue on Fees Free until your eligibility expires.

Is the new funding eligibility criteria the same as for Fees Free”?

No. The eligibility for Free Trades Training is wider than for Fees Free. It is available even if you have already trained in tertiary levels 3-7 previously.

Questions about other types of Government support available for apprenticeships 

The Government has announced several components of its “Apprenticeship Support Programme”. Primary ITO does not administer these other components, but as an employer or learner you may be able to get additional support specifically for apprenticeships. These include:

• Apprenticeship Boost
• Mana in Mahi extension
• Group Training Schemes
• The Regional Apprenticeships Initiative.

More detailed information can be found from Work and Income. Its website says information on how to apply for all these initiatives will be available as soon as possible. 

What is the Apprenticeship Boost?

The Apprenticeship Boost pays employers up to $16,000 across the first 20 months of an apprenticeship. This is paid at $1000 a month for first-year apprentices, and at $500/month for second-year apprentices up to a maximum period of 20 months. This will be available from August 2020.

I’m an employer and already have an apprentice. Can I still access the Apprenticeship Boost?

Yes. According to Work and Income, the Apprenticeship Boost “aims to provide support for employers to retain and take on new apprentices as the economy recovers from the impacts of COVID-19, so they can continue to earn and progress towards their qualifications”.

Employers can apply for the Apprenticeship Boost whether an apprentice has just started their training programme, or right up until near the end of their first two years. For more information go to: https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/work/appprentice-support/apprentice-support-programme.html

Do I need to register with Primary ITO to access Apprenticeship Boost?

No. Work and Income is responsible for the Apprenticeship Boost. Employers who are interested need to apply through Work and Income.

How is the Apprenticeship Boost funding paid out?

The money will be paid directly to employers by Work and Income.

Where do I get information on Mana in Mahi, Group Training Schemes, and the Regional Apprenticeships Initiative?

You can find more details by visiting the Apprenticeship Support Programme page on the Work and Income website.