Apprenticeships more than just Trades

23 May 2017

Apprenticeships more than just Trades

Young people and school leavers opting for an Apprenticeship over university study should consider a career in the health and wellbeing sector.

“Apprenticeships are much more than just trades,” says Penny Rogers, Manager for Apprenticeship and Vocational Training at Industry Training Organisation (ITO) Careerforce.

“The term ‘Apprenticeship’ usually makes people think of the traditional bricks-and-mortar style workplace training,” Ms Rogers says.

“But a new suite of Apprenticeship programmes are now available for the health and wellbeing sectors – a first for New Zealand!

Careerforce’s health and wellbeing apprenticeships provide on-job training opportunities, covering a wide range of roles and providing rewarding career pathways in the health, disability, mental health, aged support, rehabilitation, social and community services sectors.

Ms Rogers says Health and Wellbeing Apprenticeships are the much-needed answer to improving the quality of support and service needed by New Zealanders now and into the future.

“We’ve already signed up 100 new trainees for our New Zealand Apprenticeship (NZA) in Mental Health and Addiction Support, from Invercargill to Northland,” Ms Rogers says.

In November 2016, the Government committed to a target of 50,000 people to be training in apprenticeships by 2020 and the new pathways offered by Careerforce are supporting New Zealand to reach that target.
“Some of our Apprentices are training to be Diversional Therapists, providing spiritual, physical and recreationally stimulating activities for the elderly and people with dementia,” Ms Rogers says.

“We also have Mental Health and Addiction Support workers, empowering people with their recovery and Social Services Apprentices who are providing practical, non-judgemental support and advice to their local communities.”

Other popular Apprenticeship programmes include the NZA in Social and Community Services, Brain Injury Rehabilitation Support and Community Facilitation, including specialist strands for those working in diversional therapy and the disability sector.

As the ITO for the health and wellbeing sectors, Careerforce encourages more young people to consider a career in health and wellbeing and take advantage of workplace-based training programmes.
“If you’re someone who is confident, competent and passionate about people, you can pursue clear career pathways straight from school,” Ms Rogers says.
Careerforce offers a suite of qualifications from Level 2 through to Level 6 in areas such as youth work, mental health and addiction support and disability services, meaning that people can follow their dreams while gaining recognition through on-the-job training.

ENDS

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