Message from the AST Trust

Settling in for a challenging year

It’s been a quiet few weeks for the Apprenticeship Scholarship Trust (AST), with employers and trainees alike no doubt settling into the new year with staffing and supply chain pressures front of mind. The number of hardship applications remains low, which is not necessarily a reflection of the environment the apprentices are experiencing.

I suggested last month that those pressures were likely to continue for some time, and we in the Industry Training Providers (ITP) sector are starting to see the impact of them, and other factors, on enrolments. With plenty of work available at various levels, it’s understandable that some will choose to go straight into the workforce instead of doing full-time study i.e. a pre-trade programme. While employers will need to pick up some of the training, that’s probably a small trade-off for having the right staffing levels to fulfil contracts. The minimum wage increase that comes into force on 1 April 2022, will only add to these pressures. The vocational education reforms (RoVE) are continuing to develop and evolve, with a lot of work occurring behind the scenes with systems and processes being developed. With Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) now part of Te Pūkenga, the new national vocational provider, conversations are increasing between ITPs and BCITO, about good practices in engaging and supporting learners and employers. This bodes well for the future, where learners and employers should have access to a spectrum of opportunities for supporting training, depending on the needs of one or the other, and perhaps both, parties. The 2022 New Zealand Certified Builders (NZCB) Apprentice Challenge Regional Competitions are rapidly approaching, with discussions currently on how to encourage the next wave of competitors to apply for this year’s event.

This year’s Regional Competitions will take place on Saturday 9th April 2022 at ITM stores nationwide, plus selected venues. Competitors will go head-to-head in an eight-hour challenge, where their skills will be put to the test on a unique building project. The winners from each region will progress to the National Final being held in conjunction with the NZCB Conference and Expo on 18th and 19th November, in Hamilton. For more information check out page 58 of this issue of InHouse or visit www.apprenticechallenge.nz. The NZCB Apprentice Challenge is always a highlight of the year for all involved. All the best to those who do decide to give it a go.

Until next time – mā te wā.