The Green Party has promised to abolish the training wage for apprentices to ensure they are "paid properly for their work".
Currently, the training wage for apprentices is $19.16 per hour. Under the Greens' plan, they would be paid $23.95 – the minimum wage.
The Greens would also introduce an apprentice equipment grant of $2000, prioritise support for Māori and Pasifika apprentices with a $30 million annual funding uplift, and introduce a $2000 completion bonus for employers who actively support apprentices to progress through their qualifications.
"A strong economy needs a strong workforce. We will ensure apprentices are paid properly for their work, supporting more tradies on and into the job,” Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said.
"We need to more homes and renewable energy, which means we need a skilled workforce of builders, electricians, plumbers, mechanics, and other tradespeople to make it happen.
“But apprentice numbers are at a 15-year low. Low pay, insecure work, and a lack of pastoral support mean that instead of focusing on learning their trade, our apprentices spend too much time worried about making ends meet. We can fix that.”
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