Industry training

This is workplace learning that allows you to work towards an industry qualification and get paid at the same time.

Check out: Skill New Zealand or Tertiary Education Commision

Industry Training Organisation (ITO)

ITOs develop and arrange workplace training for industry.

Check out: http://www.itf.org.nz/  or http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/for-business/ito.do

Minimum training wage

This may be paid to people doing recognised industry training, undertaking at least 60 credits per year. It is equivalent to the minimum youth pay rate.

For the latest rate, go to: http://www.ers.dol.govt.nz/pay/minimum.html

Modern Apprentices

The main difference between a Modern Apprenticeship and an ordinary apprenticeship is that you will have a Modern Apprenticeship Co-ordinator, who will visit you 4 or more times a year to support both you and your employer, and to organise your on and off-job training.  Modern Apprentices are generally aged between 16 and 21, although older apprentices can use this form of apprenticeship in certain circumstances.  If you are an older apprentice and want to explore a Modern Apprenticeship, contact the Modern Apprenticeship coordinator responsible for your Industry training area.  Modern Apprenticeship coordinators can also assist you in finding an employer to work with throughout your apprenticeship.

Check out: www.modern-apprenticeships.govt.nz

National Certificate (or Diploma)

This is the qualification that you will be working towards. You may get credits at work or through a training provider.

Check out: http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/natcertdip.html

National Qualifications Framework (NQF)

All National Certificates are registered on the National Qualifications Framework.

Check out: http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/explore/index.do

Training agreement

This is the agreement that you and your employer will sign with the Industry Training Organisation that represents the industry. It will form part of your employment agreement and signing it will allow you to be registered on the New Zealand Qualifications Authority database. The training agreement will specify which qualifications you will be working towards.

Here’s an example of a training agreement:

Example training agreement Adobe Acrobat Document: 27.0 KB, 4 seconds @ 56kbps

Training trusts

Training trusts work by employing the apprentices and placing them with companies who train and assess them.  Some of these will place you with one company for the time of your apprenticeship, whilst others, particularly "Group Training Trusts", organise your training schedule with a number of different companies to ensure that all aspects of your learning are covered.  See "4Trades" and "Southern Group Training Trust" in our "Links" section.

Youth employment agencies

Canterbury       Actionworks                 www.actionworks.org.nz

Otago               Youthworks                 www.youthworks.org.nz

West Coast      Buller Youthworks        www.jobsletter.org.nz/cat/cat10.htm