3000 Modern Apprentices complete training

Three thousand Modern Apprentices have now completed their training – proof that the Labour-led government's revitilisation of trades training is continuing to bear fruit, Tertiary Education Minister Michael Cullen said today.

Dr Cullen made the announcement during a visit to congratulate Auckland carpenter Phillip Newport – the 3000th Modern Apprentice to complete his training.

Phillip, 23, trained with Colin Bird Building Services Ltd and gained his National Certificate in Carpentry Level 4 through the Building Construction ITO.

"Phillip typifies the smart, young trainees coming through the system who have acquired valuable skills to serve them and their employers well in the future," said Dr Cullen. "If we are to transform New Zealand into a higher growth, higher skilled economy we need more workers like Phillip."

Phillip spent four years training as a Modern Apprentice. He loves building and hopes to set up his own business as a builder one day. "My boss, Colin Bird, was a great inspiration and a great teacher."

Colin currently employs three apprentices and said the training system today was far more effective than when he trained. "I just love training young people and see them pick up the same skills and enthusiasm that I have. I am very proud of Phil, he's the most exceptional apprentice I have dealt with."

"We need more employers like Colin," said Dr Cullen. "I am pleased that a recent independent evaluation of the scheme found that most employers surveyed would recommend the programme to young staff and other employers."

Latest statistics show that at 31 December 2006 there were 9466 Modern Apprentices in training, 13 percent more than December 2005. Total industry trainees numbered 123,859, up 5 percent.

The Modern Apprentice scheme was introduced by the Labour-led government in 2000 to improve the participation of young people in trades training.

"It's great that thousands like Phillip are now making a valuable contribution to the economy by easing skill shortages and improving business productivity."

The Labour Department's latest labour market report shows 29 percent of firms having difficulty finding skilled staff, down from a high of 61 percent in late 2004.

"I congratulate Phillip. He is shining example to others and I am confident he will have a rewarding future," concluded Dr Cullen.

Snap Shot of Modern Apprentices

• Budget 2006 allocated an additional $34.4 million over four years to expand the number of Modern Apprenticeships to 14,000 by December 2008

• As at 31 December 2006 there were 9466 Modern Apprentices in training

• 91 percent were male, 9 percent female

• 76.9 percent were European/Pakeha, 15.1 percent Maori, 3.1 percent Pacific peoples

• Building, construction, engineering and motor engineering accounted for 41.8 percent of total Modern Apprentices.

• In Auckland, there were 2284 Modern Apprentices, 17 percent more than December 2005. 511 of these were in building and construction, about 36 percent of all building and construction Modern Apprentices.