Hipkins outlines free trade courses

Engineering, social work, and beekeeping are among the trade training courses that will become free of charge, as the Government pumps $1.6 billion into vocational training.

The 2020 Budget committed to making certain trade training courses free, in hope of providing new opportunities to thousands of workers turfed out of jobs because of the coronavirus crisis.

Education Minister Chris Hipkins yesterday detailed which courses would be subsidised by the Government, saying all costs would be paid for courses in primary industries, construction, electrical engineering and road transport.

‘‘Every course is different and the costs for learners at tertiary providers, industry trainees and apprentices vary but in many cases they will save between $2500 and $6500 per year,’’ Hipkins said.

The subsidy would also be available to people who had started courses earlier in the year, but would carry on past July 1, when the funding begins. The Government expects to be subsidising trades training courses until the end of 2022.

The list of courses being funded includes horticulture and beekeeping, carpentry and plumbing, diplomas in health and wellbeing and mental health and addition support, engineering and electrical engineering, commercial road transport, and car mechanic and hairdressing courses.

‘‘All apprenticeships including those outside the targeted areas will be eligible for fees support. This is aimed at industries that are expected to be particularly hard hit by Covid-19, such as hospitality, tourism and food,’’ Hipkins said.

The list of courses being funded would be trimmed in 2021, Hipkins said.

‘‘The costs for learners at tertiary providers, industry trainees and apprentices vary but in many cases they will save between $2500 and $6500 per year.’’

Chris Hipkins

Education Minister