Media release

22 March 2000

Employers' Federation gives thumbs up to apprenticeship direction

The Employers' Federation has given the thumbs up to the Government's direction on apprenticeships.

Federation Chief Executive Anne Knowles says the decision to pilot the use of coordinators to help young people into apprenticeships is a sensible step.

"It is a concern that teenagers make up only 10% of those in apprenticeships. This is not a problem that is confined to New Zealand - there are problems in youth labour markets around the world, as young, unskilled people are the ones most affected by the trends towards new technologies and the globalisation of trade," Ms Knowles said.

"The best response to these trends is to work towards upskilling everybody, and getting a culture of lifelong learning. But young people do need special help to get onto pathways to work and further learning.

"The use of apprenticeship coordinators will help employers, especially in small enterprises, to take on young apprentices. It's consistent with the case management approach taken by ACC and WINZ and should help more young people into relevant work training."

For further comment or interview please contact Marilyn Davies, Education & Training Advisor Employers' Federation ph 4994111

Visit our website www.nzef.org.nz for news, views and events

© Scoop Media