HOW TO START AN APPRENTICESHIP or training programme
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To start an apprenticeship or training programme through MITO you must be currently employed in one of our industries with an employer who is able to support you in your training.
You can begin your apprenticeship or training programme at any time. Simply complete the sign-up form and we’ll arrange a workplace visit with your local MITO Industry Training Advisor.
LEARN MORE ABOUT APPRENTICESHIPS AND TRAINING
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An apprenticeship is training done on-the-job. You complete practical assessments at work, proving you can perform certain tasks. There is also some theory-based training which, depending on your programme, will be either online or paper-based, and off-job training involved too. When you’ve completed your apprenticeship, you gain a nationally-recognised qualification.
The length of your apprenticeship varies depending on your training programme and industry. Most take between 3 or 4 years to complete.
Apprenticeships can be completed within a wide range of industries with employers from large national companies to smaller local businesses.
For more information, download the Tertiary Education Commission's Code of Good Practice for New Zealand Apprenticeships.
It’s a great way to be recognised for your skills and knowledge and further your career - whether you’ve just started working or already have years of experience in your job.
The benefits of an apprenticeship for you are:
- No student loan
- Because you’re working, you earn money while you train
- Training is on-the-job making it easier for you to learn.
The benefits of an apprenticeship for your career are:
- You gain a New Zealand or National qualification
- New skills and knowledge that can help your career progression
- A great looking CV for future employment opportunities
- Your training is designed by your industry, for your industry.
When you become a MITO apprentice, you can expect help and support from various sources — on and off the job.
In your workplace
Your employer or supervisor will be your main support during your apprenticeship. They’ll teach you the skills of the job and oversee your training.
Your MITO Industry Training Advisor
Your local MITO Industry Training Advisor is involved with you right through your apprenticeship and you can contact them at any time with questions. When you start your apprenticeship, your Industry Training Advisor meets with you and your employer to explain the process. They then visit you at least four times a year to:
- Update your personalised training plans
- Provide your employer with up-to-date reports on your training activity
- Set goals with you and your employer to help you achieve your qualification.
Your Training Provider
For some training programmes, theory work is completed via correspondence. MITO links you with a training provider who sends you home-study assignments which you then complete and return for marking. Your training provider will provide help with your theory and practical work. At off-job training, you will receive help with your theory assignments as well as practical skills not usually available in your workplace. You can also contact your training provider tutor if you need help with your assignments.
MITO eLearning Support Services
MITO's new Collision Repair, Automotive Refinishing and Light Vehicle programmes have the theory component delivered online as eLearning courses. This allows you to access online learning resources, including videos, interactive simulations and online theory assessments, at any time and from any device – mobile phone, tablet or computer. Real-time results and progress reports are available through MITO’s online Portal to both you and your supervisor.
These programmes are supported by facilitators who will help you with any issues you have while working through the eLearning courses.
Resource Materials
You will be provided with a training folder which has detailed information on your training programme to help track your progress and achievements, including:
- What you must achieve
- Any unit standards you need to complete
- The tools and equipment you need
- What you need to do to pass the practical assessments, assignments and tests
- How you will be assessed.
The resource materials for your apprenticeship are designed for ease of use and to allow a step-by-step approach to achieving your qualification.
MITO charges an annual training fee for each year of your apprenticeship or training programme which covers all your training and assessment costs.
The annual training fee is charged to your employer. Your employer may choose to cover all or part of the costs of your training or they may require you to reimburse them in full. It’s a good idea to discuss expectations with your employer before you sign up.
A discounted annual training fee may be available if your employer has a registered MITO workplace assessor or the fees are paid in full on their due date.
You can contact MITO for more information regarding training fees and fee discounts.
Fees-Free Industry Training through MITO
With the Government's fees-free policy, you may be eligible for up to two years' of fees-free industry training. However, there are eligibility criteria for both learners and the apprenticeship or training programme they are enrolling into, so not every new apprentice may be able to access fees-free training.
If you’ve been working in your industry for a while and already have some experience, then you may be able to get your current skills recognised towards a MITO apprenticeship or training programme by applying for a Recognition of Current Competence (RCC).
If you have old qualifications (pre unit standards) or a similar qualification from overseas, you may also be able to have them recognised towards a MITO apprenticeship or training programme by applying for a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you hold an overseas qualification and plan to live, work, or study in New Zealand, you may be required to have your qualification assessed. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority offers the Qualifications Recognition Services that aligns overseas qualifications with the New Zealand Qualifications Framework.
Please visit the NZQA website for further information on this process.