Is Master Electricians taking over apprenticeship training?

No.

Master Electricians is not planning to deliver the electrical apprenticeship programme. Apprenticeship training will continue to be delivered by polytechnics and approved providers.

Our role is to ensure the system works better for the industry and employers.

Is Trade Master becoming the new ETCO or Skills?

No.

Trade Master will not be delivering the apprenticeship qualification or managing apprenticeships.

Trade Master may support the industry with:

• refresher training
• exam preparation courses
• regulatory or technical upskilling
• employer support and pastoral care where gaps exist.

But it will not replace the apprenticeship provider system. We are working with the EWRB and NZQA at the moment to better understand what is required for new endorsements and whether NZQA accreditation is necessary. If it is we will update you accordingly. 

Why is Master Electricians involved in discussions with EarnLearn?

EarnLearn currently plays an important role in supporting electrical apprentices and employers.

During the transition to the new vocational education system, it is important that:

• apprentices continue to receive consistent support
• employers remain confident in the system
• completion rates are protected.

Master Electricians is working with EarnLearn to maintain stability while the future system is designed.

What will the future apprenticeship system likely look like?

The industry’s preferred direction is:

• apprenticeship programmes delivered by regional polytechnics (ITPs)
• stronger employer involvement in on-job training and assessment
• improved pastoral care and support for apprentices
• nationally consistent training resources.

This model would combine polytechnic theory delivery with strong industry and employer leadership.

Why is change needed?

There are several challenges the industry wants to address:

• theory and regulations exam pass rates are at historic lows
• apprentices exiting the system lacking the commercial competency that is expected by employers
• employers often feel disconnected from the training system
• pastoral care for apprentices is inconsistent
• training delivery can be inconsistent across regions.

Industry leadership is needed to ensure apprentices are properly prepared for the increasing complexity of electrification and regulatory requirements.

What role will employers play in the future?

A key goal is to re-empower employers as a central part of the apprenticeship journey.

This includes:

• stronger employer input into training programmes
• better alignment between on-job training and theory
• improved support for employers supervising apprentices
• improving the quality of apprentices, including their commercial competency when they complete. 

What happens to current apprentices?

Nothing changes in the short term.

Apprentices currently supported through EarnLearn will continue to be supported as normal while the future system is developed.

Ensuring stability for apprentices and employers is a priority during this transition.