Funding for employers to help them support their apprentices to train and develop their skills.

Employers of apprentices in their first or second year of a New Zealand Apprenticeship or a Managed Apprenticeship approved by the Tertiary Education Commission.

Payments to employers of $500 a month will be made for both first and second year apprentices. 

Te Puni Kōkiri Cadetships supports Māori to achieve their potential in the workplace, and contribute to thriving, innovative and resilient businesses. It works by providing funding for employers to design, develop and implement tailored training and development programmes for Māori staff (who can be newly employed, or existing staff members), that will improve their skills, employability and earnings, and provide opportunities for them to move into leadership roles. Ideally, Cadetships programmes encompass elements of tikanga to support cadets to increase their confidence and mana.

Large, medium, and small employers, in a range of industries are encouraged to partner with Te Puni Kōkiri to deliver Cadetships programmes. Cadetships are largely aimed at supporting Māori of all ages who are moving to the next stage of their career, into management roles or leadership positions. They can also support new employees to accelerate their skills-development and opportunities for progression.

For employers
Te Puni Kōkiri Cadetships:

• provides up to $10,000 per cadet for training and development
• invests in the future of the business economy
• encourages growth in a range of industries both national and regional
• contributes to thriving, innovative and resilient businesses, while increasing diversity and links to Māori communities.

For cadets
Te Puni Kōkiri Cadetships:

• provides cadets with an opportunity for progression into the next stage of their career
• develops Māori leadership and career progression
• provides employer-led pastoral care throughout
• helps to improve well-being and thriving whānau.

From Industry Training Organisations (ITOs) to courses in basic English and maths, take advantage. Business.govt.nz has information on offerings to help you upskill your workforce and develop your business. Incuding:

• Industry Training Organisations (ITOs)
• Work and Income support
• Help with basic numeracy and literacy

Business.govt.nz is free to use by any member of the public. The content is designed with New Zealand small businesses front of mind.    

The Employer-led Workplace Literacy and Numeracy Fund helps employers:

• fix productivity problems caused by literacy and numeracy issues
• provide employee literacy and numeracy programmes that are customised to their workplace.

If you’re an employer, you may be eligible for this fund. The eligibility criteria are on the Tertiary Education Commission website.

The fund provides assessments for employees, a programme to improve literacy and numeracy, and insights into productivity issues caused by literacy and numeracy issues in the workplace.

Helping people learn and share skills makes your business stronger. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Learning on the job can be as valuable as courses and qualifications.

Business.govt.nz created this resource to help you create a culture that values:

• tailor learning to employee and business goals
• paying attention to how people prefer to learn
• having a skills development policy or plan
• developing people of all ages, backgrounds and experiences.

Business.govt.nz is free to use by any member of the public. The content is designed with New Zealand small businesses front of mind.  

As an employer, you can grow your business by taking on trainees or apprentices.

It’s a great way to get loyal, enthusiastic employees who are invested in the success of your business. You’ll also contribute to a skilled and qualified national workforce.

You can partner with vocational education and training providers to find suitable apprentices and trainees for your workplace.

New Zealand employers looking to grow their business, future-proof their workplace and invest in our country's workforce.

Learn about resources and financial support available to help you take on apprentices and trainees.