MartinJenkins prepared this report for ConCOVE Tūhura, New Zealand's Centre of Vocational Excellence for the building and construction industry, which has since been disestablished. The report examines how government-funded support programmes for apprentices were working for employers, training providers, and workers.
The report found that while apprenticeship enrolments more than doubled between 2014 and 2023, completion rates of 39% to 58% remain well below those of comparable countries. Financial pressures, inconsistent pastoral care, variable training quality, and a fragmented support system were identified as key barriers to completion. The report recommends a clearer shared vision for the apprenticeship system, defined roles and responsibilities, streamlined pastoral care, a single source of information for apprentices and employers, and stronger support and accountability for employers as trainers and educators.
This report was prepared by EeMun Chen, Natalie James, and Ben Craven.
