Hurry, FREE* Trades Training ends Dec 2022

There has never been a better time to get you or your staff into training.

The Government's Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund, also known as Free Trades Training has meant many programmes have been either subsidised or free, depending on how long the programme is.

This Fund ends in December this year so there is still a chance to get some or all fees covered.

Note: learners must be employed in the industry while completing their programme.

* Free training only available up until Dec 2022 for eligible programmes. If the programme duration goes longer, some fees will apply.

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Did you know there are over 200 New Zealand Apprenticeship, Certificate and Micro-credential programmes under the Free Trades Training Fund? And for employers who enrol apprentices, the Government’s Apprenticeship Boost offers financial support only until the end of 2023.

Examples of New Zealand Apprenticeship programmes that are available:

Agriculture – Dairy Farming (Level 3 and 4)
Agriculture – Breeding Livestock Farming (Level 3 and 4)
Dairy Product Process (Level 4)
Fruit Production (Level 3 and 4)
Nursery Production (Level 3 and 4)
Arboriculture (Level 3 and 4)
Apiculture (Level 3 and 4)
Horticulture Services – Amenity (Level 3 and 4)
Landscape Construction (Level 3 and 4)

Many New Zealand Certificates are also part of Free Trades Training.

Micro-credentials (bite sized pieces of learning) covered include:

Operate a Tractor in the Primary Industry
Operate a Quad Bike in the Primary Industry
Operate a Motorcycle in the Primary Industry
Operate a light 4WD vehicle on road
Operate a light 4WD vehicle off road
Safe use of chainsaws in a Pest Control or Primary Sector Environment
Tree Felling Techniques Using a Chainsaw in a Pest Control or Primary Sector Environment.

Make the most of Free Trades Training; there's never been a better time to enrol.

For a full list of programmes covered by Free Trades Training, click here.

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Hear about others who have been making the most of Free Trades Training

Apprentices bring innovation to Lochiel Station

Having staff train through the Primary ITO Apprenticeship Programme is bringing innovation and adding value to the performance of large sheep and beef operation, Lochiel Station, in Canterbury.

News Article photos 300 x 270 px 0088 App Boost Callum Chloe Robert Newstead Farm

Farmers thrive with financial support for training and apprenticeships

In the Hawke’s Bay, financial support for training fees and apprenticeship costs is making a big difference on farms.

News Article photos 300 x 270 px 0065 Hadley Boyce v1

Handsome Landscapers Apprenticeship Success

Handsome Landscapes company owner Hadley Boyce was one of the Primary ITO's first graduates in the Landscaping Apprenticeship, under Primary ITO Training Adviser Jonathan Gradwell.

News Article photos 300 x 270 px 0055 Smantha Dhand photo PITO

Study opportunity turns life around for young whanau

Samantha Dhand has had a hard upbringing and never thought she could be successful at anything until she was introduced to a pathway of opportunity through studying horticulture at the Primary ITO.

FAQs

Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund (Free Trades Training)

Free Trades Training covers a portion of the fees for training between 1 July 2020 and 31 December 2022.

If you’re still training in the programme after 31 December 2022, you’ll need to pay fees for that part of the training. We’ll send you an invoice when you start your programme that will run past 31 December 2022. For example, if your programme runs from June 2022 to August 2023, we’ll invoice you in June 2022 for the period of 1 January 2023 to August 2023. If you have multiple programmes within your training, we will only invoice you once you start the part of the training or programme that will continue past December 2022. Your Training Adviser will give you more information.

You do not need to apply for Free Trades Training

If you’re enrolled in an eligible programme, the fund will automatically cover your fees costs for training that occurs between 1 July 2020 and 31 December 2022.

You can get Fees Free Training even if you have previously trained in tertiary levels 3 to 7.

Free Trades Training covers all fees for training and assessment during 2022

If you train in one of our eligible programmes, Free Trades Training covers the portion of your fees for training and assessment up until 31 December 2022.

Free Trades Training does not cover some other costs of training, like accommodation and travel on field trips.

The Free Trades Training conditions are included on our standard training agreements. The agreement includes the standard minimum of 10 credits achieved in the first four months of training, plus other standard requirements.

Free Trades Training can cover fees for non-New Zealand residents

If you’re not a New Zealand resident, Free Trades Training will cover a portion of your fees if you meet the conditions of a training agreement.

If you’re in New Zealand on a work visa, Free Trades Training will cover a portion of your fees if your programme finishes before your visa expires.

Free Trades Training does not affect the sign-up process for New Zealand Apprenticeships

The sign-up process for New Zealand Apprenticeships will be the same as it is currently. The training agreement will still state that fees may be charged.

You can get Free Trades Training even if you’re already training under the Fees Free scheme

If you’re on the Fees Free scheme and training in a programme that’s eligible for Free Trades Training, your fees will be automatically covered under Free Trades Training. Your Fees Free entitlement will pause, and you will be able to use it later.

If you’re on the Fees Free scheme and are in a programme that’s not eligible for Free Trades Training, you’ll stay on the Fees Free scheme.

Apprenticeship Boost

If you’re an employer taking on apprentices, you may be eligible for the Government’s Apprenticeship Boost for each apprentice until the end of 2023. It pays $1000 a month for first-year apprentices and $500 a month for second-year apprentices.

Work and Income manages the Apprenticeship Boost including applications. Its website has more information about who is eligible for Apprenticeship Boost, and how to apply.

Learn more and apply for Apprenticeship Boost on the Work and Income website.

Remember, you can always contact us on

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Phone 0800 20 80 20