18473 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Tertiary Education

18473 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Tertiary Education: Have there been any changes since 1 November 2023 to eligibility criteria, or assessment and decision-making processes, in relation to the Apprenticeships Boost; if so, what were they and when did they come into effect?

Hon Penny Simmonds: Budget 2024 provided ongoing funding for the Apprenticeship Boost Initiative and limited eligibility to first-year apprentices in the following targeted industries from 1 January 2025: • Building • Agriculture • Horticulture and Viticulture • Forestry Studies • Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology • Process and Resources Engineering • Automotive Engineering and Technology • Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Technology • Aerospace Engineering and Technology • Maritime Engineering and Technology • Other Engineering and Technology • Human Welfare Studies and Services • Food and Hospitality. There have been no other changes to eligibility, assessment, or decision-making processes. To ensure that targeting Apprenticeship Boost by occupation remains relevant to the current labour market and Government priorities, the Ministry of Education will review Apprenticeship Boost every two years and report-back to Cabinet. The first review is scheduled for 2027