$2,000 grants for construction employers

The Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) is encouraging construction sector employers to sign up apprentices and utilise the Government’s Apprenticeship Re-Boot grants.

The grants, worth up to $2,000, are offered to each eligible new apprentice as well as their employer, depending on the trade the apprentice is in.

BCITO chief executive Ruma Karaitiana says the sooner employers begin signing up apprentices the better.

“There are only 10,000 of these grants available across all industries in New Zealand, so it’s impossible to know how long they will be available for,” Mr Karaitiana says.

“Now is a great time for employers in the building and construction industry to take on apprentices and secure the grants for themselves.”

Employers will receive a grant equal to that of the apprentice, for as many apprentices that are signed up. The deal is only available through Industry Training Organisations, such as the BCITO – it is not available through polytechnics or any other training providers.

“Apprentices will need to be registered in a training agreement for 90 days before applying for the grant, and employers can apply for theirs alongside their apprentice,” Mr Karaitiana says.

“The success of the application will depend on whether an applicant meets the conditions set by the Government, and as a general rule, if the apprentice doesn’t qualify, neither will the employer.”

Once the 90 day period has lapsed, apprentices and employers will need to visit tec.govt.nz for instructions on how to claim the funding. This will involve filling out an application form and sending it in.

“The BCITO will also notify eligible apprentices and their employers via mail when the time comes to submit their applications,” Mr Karaitiana says.