FAQ
What is the benefit to doing a Modern Apprenticeship?
While working and getting paid, a Modern Apprentice will gain the same national qualifications as someone paying to do a full-time course at a tertiary education provider. At the end of their Modern Apprenticeship they have a job, a national qualification and are debt free.
With qualifications, they will progress up the ‘ladder’ quicker than someone with no qualifications. They will also get paid more.
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What qualification will a Modern Apprentice come out with?
Modern Apprentices attain a National Certificate qualification. FITEC qualifications are recognised as the industry standard throughout New Zealand and internationally.
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Is there an age requirement to become a Modern Apprentice?
There is a minimum age requirement of 16 and a maximum of 21. There are some exceptions to this rule. Contact your FITEC Regional Training Advisor if you need to know more.
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How does someone become a Modern Apprentice?
Firstly they’ll need to find employment within the wood industry. This can be done by looking for vacancies through our ‘Jobs in Wood’ vacancy system. Alternatively they can go ‘knocking on doors’ or FITEC Careers Staff can help them with the names of companies who traditionally take on Modern Apprentices in the vicinity they wish to work in.
A person who has achieved some basic industry Unit Standards at school or from a polytechnic or technical institution is always attractive to an employer. As a minimum, NCEA Level 1 in Mathematics and English is desirable. The ‘Gateway’ programme is often a pathway into employment within the industry.
Once someone has gained employment, their employer needs to contact FITEC to arrange for a Training Agreement to be set up for them.
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How long does it take to complete a Modern Apprenticeship?
FITEC’s training programmes are competency based rather than time-based i.e. a Modern Apprentice learns the skills in the workplace and is assessed for competence by an industry Assessor / Training Advisor. Once a Modern Apprentice has demonstrated competence in a required skill, they are awarded the relevant qualification. It generally takes a Modern Apprentice approximately three to four years to achieve FITEC Level 3 / 4 qualifications, if they maintain their training programme.
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How much will a Modern Apprentice get paid?
A Modern Apprentice’s pay will depend on the sector they are employed in, the qualification they are taking, their Employer and at what level their training is at. Legally they will receive at least minimum wage on commencement of employment, and their pay will usually increase with time and qualifications gained.
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How much will a Modern Apprenticeship cost?
The main cost is attendance on block courses and costs associated with Unit Standard Assessment. Both these costs are usually borne by the Employer. As such the cost to a Modern Apprentice is the effort required to successfully complete the training to ensure their Employer’s outlay is rewarded.
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Will there be a requirement to conduct training other than on-job training during a Modern Apprenticeship?
Each sector of the wood industry has an on-job training programme which means learning and assessments are done in the workplace. Some sectors require Modern Apprentices to attend block courses to consolidate the training they receive on the job. These usually consist of approximately three weeks each year, but vary among sectors.
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