New Zealand’s government is investing a further $230 million into the extension of its trades training programmes until the end of 2023.

The announcement was made on Monday by Education Minister, Chris Hipkins and Employment Minister, Carmel Sepuloni.

The free trades training initiative was implemented within the Budget 2020, costing $1.6 billion, 1News reports.

Within the rollout of the Budget 2022, the government is extending the scheme that led to a 55% rise in the number of apprentices since the start of the Covid crisis.

“A locally trained workforce provides for greater economic security. It delivers a highly skilled workforce to build infrastructure, or design the technology needed to future-proof the economy while ensuring good jobs for New Zealanders,” the Education Minister said.

He added that over 190,000 people have benefitted from the trades training scheme over the last two years, including apprenticeships.

“A $230m investment as part of Budget 2022 provides for another 24,000 apprentices getting Apprenticeship Boost support and some 14,000 to keep being supported beyond August this year. There are already 17,000 employers involved in the programme and today’s investment means new employers can join up.

“In recognition of the significant growth in apprentices since 2020 and the employment strength in the New Zealand economy, and to extend the initiative at reasonable cost, the first-year subsidy rate will lower to $500 per month from 5 August 2022. The second-year subsidy rate will remain at $500 per month until the initiative ends in December 2023,” he added.

As part of Monday’s announcement, more support was unveiled for Mana in Mahi and Māori Trades Training.

“Mana in Mahi has been an incredibly successful programme supporting over 4,719 young Kiwis into work and training. Budget 2022 will see funding for 1,600 places on the scheme over the next two years so that it can continue to train people for available employment opportunities,” the Employment Minister said.