Endorse the future of Electrical Apprenticeships

We’re entering a critical reset point for electrical training — this will directly shape the future of apprenticeships and has immediate implications for those of you with apprentices currently in EarnLearn.

With the Electrotechnology, Information Technology and Creative Industry Skills Board now in place, decisions are being made that will impact your business, your apprentices, and your future workforce.

We are seeking member endorsement on the future direction of electrical training in New Zealand.

This document outlines a proposed position based on industry insight, employer feedback, and increasing technical demands across the sector. The intent is simple: lift capability, reduce risk, and ensure the workforce is fit for purpose.

Proposed Direction (For Member Agreement)

1. Work-Ready Standard

A qualified electrician must be work-ready on completion—able to operate safely, competently, and with minimal supervision from day one.

2. System Performance

The current training system is not consistently delivering work-ready electricians, particularly given the growing technical complexity of the industry.

3. Employer Support

Employers need stronger, structured support to take on and retain apprentices, including:

• Pastoral care
• On-job assessment
• Coordinated training support

4. Training Provider Accountability

Training providers must be held accountable for consistent, high-quality outcomes, including:

• Strong theoretical foundations
• Regulatory competence
• Practical, job-ready skills aligned to industry needs

5. Delivery Model

Training should be delivered through a network of high-performing regional providers, rather than a single national provider.
This ensures flexibility, accessibility, and competitive performance.

6. Industry Leadership

Industry must play a formal role in:

• Setting standards
• Shaping outcomes
• Holding providers accountable

7. Apprenticeship Transition

Apprentices currently in the EarnLearn model should transition into a coordinated national network, ensuring:

• No disruption to learning
• Continuity of progress
• Clear pathways to completion

8. Support Model (Trade Master)

Employers and apprentices should be supported through this network by Trade Master, providing:

• Pastoral care
• On-job assessment support
• Coordination across training providers

This is a critical enabler of completion rates and capability outcomes.

9. Future Capability

The apprenticeship model should evolve to deliver higher-level capability (Level 5–6 equivalent) to match increasing industry complexity and future demand.

What This Means for You

This direction is designed to:

• Lift the quality of electricians entering the workforce
• Reduce business risk and supervision burden
• Improve apprentice completion and retention
• Ensure training reflects real-world industry needs