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Download AudioThe number of Māori apprenticeships has increased 71% with the biggest up-take coming from rangatahi aged 24 years and under.
Rangatahi apprenticeship numbers grew from 16% in 2019 to 19% in 2023. The figure looks likely to increase with the announcement that the scheme is to be made permanent.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins committed to the apprenticeship extension at the Party’s congress in Wellington last weekend.
The programme was introduced in 2020 as a temporary COVID-19 measure. It pays employers $500 per month for the first two years of an apprenticeship to support training their employees.
Minister of Māori Economic Development Willie Jackson, says it’s been a great investment for both the Government and Māori.
The Apprenticeship Boost backs up the Government’s Budget 2022 support, of ‘Mana in Mahi’ where 4,719 youth workers were assisted into work and training with a further 1,600 places rolling out until 2024.
Māori Trades Training is also part of the strategy with 17 Māori entities across Aotearoa partnering with Government to deliver unique multi-year work-focused training.
Wāhine have also benefitted from the Apprenticeship Boost with a massive 112% increase while Pasifika sees a upswing of 97%.
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