Dunedin EarnLearn apprentices shine at Apprentice Challenge
EarnLearn electrical apprentices have put their skills to the test at the Otago regional heat of the Master Electricians Trade Master Apprentice Challenge, with nine EarnLearn learners taking part and two earning podium finishes. Held at Otago Polytechnic on 23 and 24 September, the two-day event brought together 30 electrical apprentices from across the region […]
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 […]
EarnLearn leadership changes: An update from Kaarin Gaukrodger
EarnLearn leadership changes: An update from Kaarin Gaukrodger Since October 2022, EarnLearn’s executive leadership has been provided by the Connexis infrastructure work-based learning division. Recognising the different transition pathways and timeframes across each of EarnLearn and Connexis, separate leadership is now required to support EarnLearn through to transition out of the Energy and Infrastructure Industry […]
Webinar for Employers and Industry Groups from TEC
Industry voice is key to determining the future of work-based learning. TEC is working alongside the new Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) and with the support of Work-Based Learning providers, in conversations with industry, to help shape the future of work-based learning. As a first step, TEC are running a webinar to explain how the new […]
2025 summer 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 25 December 2025, 1 January 2026 and 8 January 2026. […]
Apprentices plugged in to helping the community
Putting skills learned during their apprenticeship training is a very powerful way to turn theory into real-world practice. Two Hawke’s Bay electrical apprentices, Kees (in his second year of training) and Jeremy (in his third year) from Anvil Construction are doing just that. Every fortnight, they volunteer their time to test and tag electrical appliances […]
Final-Year Fees Free Support Moves to Inland Revenue
From 6 October 2025, learner support for Final-Year Fees Free will move from the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) to Inland Revenue. This change means Inland Revenue will now be responsible for providing information about Final-Year Fees Free, assessing learner eligibility, and making entitlement payments. It’s an important shift designed to make things simpler for learners […]
Final-year Fees Free update
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025. If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your […]
New Quarter 4 PGD Block Course Schedule available
The new Quarter 4 PGD Block Course schedule has been published here. Information correct as at 2 August 2024.
Vocational Education and Training Review
Industry training in New Zealand plays a crucial role in developing a skilled workforce and ensuring that people are equipped with the knowledge and competencies necessary to meet the demands of various industries. The government is currently reviewing the structure of the vocational education and training sector. Hon. Penny Simmonds, Minister for Tertiary Education and […]
Education changing lives in Far North
A trade training initiative in the Far North / Te Hiku o te Ika (Far North / Te Hiku) is giving local youth job opportunities while supporting their local community by installing brand new water tanks. Check out the video: Tupu Plumbing was set up as a training and employment programme based in Kaitaia by […]
Changes to the Fees Free programme in 2025 – What this means for you
The Government has announced a new Fees Free programme for the final year of training. This will replace the current first-year Fees Free programme which will finish at the end of 2024. The new programme will be available for fees covering the final year of training for learning from 1 January 2025. Learners entering their […]
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 […]
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 […]