AST Trust update

Responding to uncertainty – the new norm?

As we approach the last quarter of the year, there are varying views on how 2021 will shape up. Understandably a lot of this will be centred around individual and family well-being, but very closely connected to the economic health of the regions, and New Zealand overall. This is no different in the vocational training sector, with the COVID-19 recovery initiatives yielding varying responses.

In July, the Targeted Training and Apprentice Fund (TTAF) scheme – essentially zero fees – was launched, with some areas experiencing immediate and strong uptake in both full and part time programmes. Other areas haven’t seen that uplift (yet?), perhaps a reflection of a steady pipeline of work to continue with, but as COVID-19 continues to remind us of its presence, demand may well increase. In August, the Apprenticeship Support Programme commenced, with the Apprentice Boost perhaps the most significant part of that for employers. The Apprentice Boost comprises of subsidies to retain existing or take on new apprentices; that may well give employers confidence to continue supporting training, or in some cases to take on a trainee for the first time. Levels of collaboration across the Industry Training Providers (ITPs), and with some Industry Training Organisations (ITOs), continue, in anticipation of all vocational trainees being part of New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST) by 2023. This will create a singular and joined up system which should give employers and trainees more flexibility

in navigating their way through a qualification. Even with all of these initiatives and changes, one thing that will probably be constant is the need for the pastoral support for apprentices. The Apprenticeship Scholarship Trust (AST) has enabled this support for many years, and is committed to doing so into the future. If you are aware of anyone who needs some financial support, direct them to the ITAB website at https://www.itab.co.nz/grant-application-form/

Are you in dispute over the interior finishing and completion of a project?