EarnLearn launches new Industrial Measurement and Control programme
As New Zealand industry becomes increasingly reliant on automation and advanced control systems, the need for skilled Industrial Measurement and Control (IMC) Technicians continues to grow. To help meet this demand, EarnLearn has launched a new Industrial Measurement and Control (IMC) programme designed to better reflect the technologies, workplace practices and skills required across modern […]
Trade Talk, March 2025
Kia ora koutou, I hope your year has started productively and your business is managing well through the prolonged economic recovery as we look forward to a successful 2025 year. At EarnLearn we were thrilled to start the year with the launch on 3 February of our new Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying (PGD) training programmes […]
Profile: Seizing career opportunity through Gateway
“I knew straight away I wanted to be in the electrical industry.” When Daniel Joint tried his hand at being a trainee electrician with Dunedin’s Dalco Electrical Ltd through the EarnLearn Gateway programme he knew he’d found his career path. “Before I did Gateway I knew I wanted a job that would be hands-on. Originally, […]
New Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying programmes launched
Training for careers in plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying (PGD) has been given an upgrade thanks to new apprenticeship programmes launched by EarnLearn today. The new suite of Level 4 apprenticeships is called the Industry Trained Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying Apprenticeships. The programmes have been designed to align with new PGD qualifications and to meet the […]
New Fees Free policy kicks off
As we welcome in the New Year, 1 January 2025 also marks the commencement of the Government’s new ‘final-year’ Fees Free policy (or final two years for work-based learning), with the ‘first-year’ Fees Free scheme ending on 31 December 2024. This means learners starting a work-based training programme for the first time in 2025 may […]
Government announces future of industry training
On 20 December 2024, the Government announced its plan for a redesigned Vocational Education and Training (VET) system in New Zealand, as it proceeds with the disestablishment of Te Pūkenga. Following industry feedback in August on proposals for work-based learning, the government has developed a third option and will hold targeted consultation in January 2025, with […]
Important holiday and payment information
We know you will be making plans for the summer holiday period. To help you with this, please note the following key dates for learner fee payments: Weekly and fortnightly direct debits will be processed as normal over the holiday period and will occur on 26 December 2024 and 2 January 2025. Monthly direct debits will be […]
Quarter 1 2025 PGD Block Course Schedule available
The Quarter 1 2025 PGD Block Course schedule has been published here. Information correct as at 6 December 2024.
Scaffolding block courses now in Northland
Access to training has been made easier for Northland scaffolding apprentices with training provider EarnLearn now trialling local block course options. EarnLearn, training provider for specialist trades including scaffolding, has announced it has established block courses to be held in Whangarei, open to trainees around Northland. These new locally-held block courses will mean less travelling […]
PGD block course changes to help apprentices stay on track to qualification
PGD apprentices are no longer required to complete online assessment and quizzes before they can be accepted on to V3 block courses. EarnLearn, a business division of Te Pūkenga providing training to PGD and other specialist trades has changed the structure of PGD V3 block courses to include teaching of the underpinning concepts of the […]
New Quarter 3 PGD Block Course Schedule as at 10 May 2024
The new Quarter 3 Block Course schedule has been published here.
First Quarter Update
We have had a busy start to 2024, with the Government announcing its intention late last year to disestablish Te Pūkenga in favour of regional polytechnics, working within the local community and allowing for increased community decision-making. As the new proposed structure is determined, our dual mission remains clear. We will listen to our trades […]
2024 Q2 NZ National Plumbing Gasfitting Drainlaying Timetable
See here the PGD Quarter 2 2024 Block Course Timetable as at 10 May 2024.
Leila gets her teeth into new career
Growing up on a farm Leila Brewerton always had a love for working with her hands and being outdoors. Her first career as a dental technician satisfied one of those two loves, but after 28 years she is retraining through EarnLearn as a plumber, drainlayer, gasfitter; a job that still involves working with her hands, […]
Two careers connected
When Rebecca Wynne was at school she wanted to become a musician. That might seem far cry from her current role as operations manager, and co-owner, of Wynne Electrical in Warkworth, but there is plenty of wiring connecting the two. That love of music first led Rebecca into working in arts and theatre, where she […]
Training sparks a whole new approach to life
Becoming an apprentice electrician hasn’t just given Beks Carter a job she loves, it’s changed her approach to life. “Every time I go out of my comfort zone, I’m learning more about myself. I’m getting more confidence in myself. Once, I was in an office, I was safe, set and secure, with an air conditioner. […]
Helping others to be their best
“For the future, for women in trades, the world is their oyster”. For Sue Walters, administration and HR manager at Northland Scaffolding, working in a male-dominated industry simply means working in a mutually respectful environment with people she thinks of as an extended whanau. Sue, who has worked for Northland Scaffolding for five years, says […]
Not enough tradies to meet demand
A chronic shortage of tradies in New Zealand means new apprentices are already in hot demand, and industry specialist trades training business EarnLearn expects that trend to continue as the economy gains momentum through 2024. EarnLearn Executive Director Kaarin Gaukrodger says, “In specialist trades like scaffolding, electrical, plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying there just aren’t enough […]
New Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying Block Course schedule for Quarter 1 2024
Here is the new quarter one schedule for PGD courses – as at 20 February 2024.
Help is at hand
Asking for help is the secret to Bayley Austin’s success. The Rotorua-based drainlayer and digger operator, recently completed his apprenticeship with the assistance of a reader/writer who worked with him during his exam. Bayley, who works for Central Drainage and Earthworks, has dyslexia which can make some of the reading and writing aspects of his […]