Message from the AST Trust

Adjusting to a New Normal

Hello all. I can say with some certainty that no-one would have predicted that at the mid-point of 2020 we would be in a situation like we are. I’m sure we’ve all got our own stories around it; I was in Melbourne for the Grand Prix that didn’t happen (and I haven’t helped myself by watching several episodes of a Formula 1 series on Netflix), then spent several hundred dollars to change flights and be home before the two-week self-isolation came into force. I ended up working from home anyway, and at the time of writing this article I have been doing so for 10 weeks.

COVID-19, and the responses to it, have been allconsuming for the majority of us, and no doubt some sectors will be feeling the effects much longer than others. It was heartening to see the construction industry being able to resume site activities fairly promptly after the lockdown ended, for the sakes of all involved. Tertiary providers have worked hard to continue as much training as possible, but given the workplace is where a lot of the apprentice learning occurs, much of that training was put on hold.

Tertiary providers have worked hard to continue as much training as possible, but given the workplace is where a lot of the apprentice learning occurs, much of that training was put on hold. Resumption of night classes and block courses is something employers, apprentices and providers are all looking forward to and, in some areas, this has already resumed. The impact on apprentices of no work for at least four weeks has yet to be fully determined, but we may see more hardship grant applications come to the Apprenticeship Scholarship Trust for consideration. If you are, or know of an apprentice struggling, we encourage grant requests to come to us.

The re-scheduling of the New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge has meant there is now a full 12 months to promote it, and for potential entrants to prepare. Mark the date now – 10th April 2021. Until next time.