Projects designed and engineered by ten mechanical engineering apprentices from Mulcahy Engineering in Auckland were showcased to the Prime Minister on the 23rd November, coinciding with the launch of a new Government campaign to raise the profile of vocational education and training (VET). 

The marketing campaign targets school leavers to consider VET including apprenticeships, which were made fees-free in July.
Competenz chief executive, Fiona Kingsford, says apprenticeship sign-ups have doubled in the last six months. 

“Employers and apprentices are benefiting from the most significant investment in vocational training we have seen. Since July, all apprenticeships and traineeships in targeted industries became free as part of the NZDD320 million Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund. NZD380 million has also been invested in the Apprenticeship Boost Fund, which provides wage subsidies for employers to retain and take on new apprentices. 

“These funds began on July 1 this year – since then, 14,000 people have started apprenticeships. That's up from 7,500 people a year ago,” she says. 

Kingsford says she's excited to see what this new campaign does, in shining a spotlight on the opportunities available. 

“Showcasing the trades in a relevant and dynamic way will hopefully reframe how some youth perceive working in a trade. This couldn’t come at a better time, when our sectors are still crying out for skilled people, and demand continues to be strong.
“Vocational education and training plays a key role in New Zealand’s recovery from Covid-19. We know that many of the new signups this year are New Zealanders now retraining, and from our employers who are hungry to train more skilled people.” 

The first phase of the campaign includes social media influencer activity targeted at school leavers and learners under the age of 25, and radio announcer ad-libs. 

The second phase of the campaign, which begins next month, will include TV, radio and social media ads, digital displays and online videos.