Message from the AST Trust

Some positivity amongst the uncertainty

Well, so much for a return to normal in 2021. Continued disruption with COVID-19 Alert Levels, earthquakes, and ongoing economic pressures keep challenging us. In the vocational sector we are closely watching the development of Review of Vocational Education (RoVE), and in particular how Te Pūkenga is shaping up. Te Pūkenga is the new national polytechnic, which by 1 January 2023 is expected to have direct oversight of all 16 current polytechnics, as well as the training needs of those currently with the various Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) (now called TITOs, or Transitional ITOs).

Many Industry Training Providers (ITPs) are reporting significant growth in trades enrolments for the start of 2021. This could be attributed in general to the very strong economic activity, and is very much connected to the targeted funding put in place after the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. Trades and Primary Industry were the key focus areas for the targeted funding, and ITPs across the country are reporting anywhere between 20 and 60% growth in enrolments. The 2021 New Zealand Certified Builders Carpentry Apprentice Challenge sponsored by ITM is back on, after being cancelled last year. Apprentices will gather at 18 locations around the country on Saturday 10 April, to test themselves against their peers. We are grateful yet again for the support ITM and their various manufacturers have provided - we all know that as well as the opportunity to compete, most apprentices love to add a tool or two to their kit.

The Apprenticeship Scholarship Trust (AST) continues to receive grant applications, and for a variety of reasons. It’s pleasing to see employer support featuring in these requests, and confirmation from providers about their progress through the training. It’s also a timely reminder that despite the very buoyant economy, there are some who are struggling to make ends meet. The trustees appreciate the role they play in helping these apprentices out where they can.

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