Rail apprenticeships are among schemes benefiting from a further $14 million government investment into trades training.
The funding aims to support up to 350 people into career pathways for KiwiRail, Northpower, Aukaha, Venture Timaru, Norwood and Fonterra.
It comes on top of the $12m announced in June for 300 apprenticeships across the first five schemes.
The Regional Apprenticeship Initiative will deliver $40 million for 1000 apprenticeships in total with funding from the Provincial Growth Fund.
“Together these 11 apprenticeship schemes have put us just over the halfway mark and well on track to achieve the whole $40 million allocated before Christmas,” Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones says.
KiwiRail is receiving $4m in funding to get more young people into the industry and support 100 new rail apprenticeships over the next two years.
The investment will see KiwiRail establish four new apprenticeship qualifications, in addition to its two existing programmes.
The apprenticeships will range from track staff, to mechanical engineers, signals and electrical specialists, and train drivers.
Some apprenticeships will be offered internally, to bridge immediate skill gaps and develop staff, but the majority will be for new recruits.
All of the 100 new apprenticeships will be offered in the regions, however KiwiRail’s existing programmes are open to applicants anywhere in the country.
KiwiRail chief executive Greg Miller says the new qualifications help make rail “a rewarding career” option.
KiwiRail, through its support and equipment for internships, cadets, apprenticeships and graduate programmes matches the Government’s investment in the next generation of rail industry talent.
“This Government support for apprenticeships will help us attract more young people into rail, including through a school gateway programme, and it will allow us to create a clear, sustainable pathway for them to learn skills and progress in the businesses,” Miller says.
“I know how important these training opportunities are because I started out in my first job at Mainfreight as a cadet.
“I know from personal experience the value of creating a framework that introduces young workers to all aspects of the exciting and important transport and logistics industry.
“No company is more Kiwi than KiwiRail. We’re a truly national business and we are woven into communities across the country. We want to play our part in making sure regions as well as the cities can provide solid opportunities to their young people,” he says.
“There is a wealth of experience and knowledge among KiwiRail’s staff and I want to see that passed down to the next generation.
“KiwiRail is committed to delivering an efficient and effective rail system for New Zealand – that can help take trucks off our roads and reduce our carbon emissions – but that can’t be done without people.
“That’s why this Government investment is so important. It’s a true investment in the future of rail,” Miller says.
Other schemes include:
Northpower will receive $1.5m to employ and support up to 40 people to take up apprenticeships in the electricity industry. The programme will prioritise displaced workers including those who have undertaken pre-trades training and are looking for work, as well as Māori and Pasifika. The programme will be open to all other workers (including existing employees interested in apprenticeships) when this demand has been met.
Aukaha will receive $2m to operate as a third-party provider and facilitate 50 apprenticeships in construction and other priority industries in Dunedin and South and Central Otago over an 18-month period.
Venture Timaru Limited will receive $4m to initiate and manage 100 new construction industry apprenticeships in the Mid-South Canterbury and North Otago regions.
Norwood will receive funding of $480,000 over two years to support up to 12 apprentices to enter automotive heavy engineering apprenticeships and gain relevant level 4 qualifications. The programme will target displaced workers, Māori, Pasifika and women, and will work with three iwi initially – Ngati Kahungungi ki Wairarapa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Rongo Whakaata.
Fonterra already supports 560 active vocational learners, including 38 apprentices. The company is keen to increase its commitment to local training and will receive funding of $1.76m to help expand its apprenticeship scheme and support an additional 44 people over two years.
“Each of these schemes will provide a funding boost for the regions and ensure there is a pipeline of skilled workers available to meet future demand,” Jones says.
“The RAI is focused on supporting Māori and Pasifika people into careers. It will also aim to help people who have lost their jobs due to COVID into careers which will support them and their families,” he says.
