Who will be entitled to this fund?
The fund will be available to all apprentices enrolled in a TEC-funded apprenticeship programme as of 1 July 2020. This includes apprentices that enrolled before 1 July 2020.
What other programmes are covered by the fund?
Also included are our non-apprentice learners enrolled in a TEC-funded programme at level 3 or higher in the following areas:
- Electrical
- Appliance Servicing
- Electronics
- Switchgear
- Motor Rewinding
- Industrial Measurement and Control
- Cranes
- Scaffolding
When will this start?
TEC will begin paying your fees from 1 July 2020 and this will continue up to 31 December 2022, unless you finish your apprenticeship earlier.
How do I apply for this fund?
There is nothing you need to do. The entitlement will be automatic for all our TEC-funded apprentices.
What fees will be covered?
The fees covered are those that would normally be paid to Skills for training and assessment. This does not include fees relating to:
- Any non-attendance at off-job courses
- Or other unplanned administrative costs
I pay by direct debit, so when will this stop?
It will stop when all fees up to 30 June 2020 are cleared. In most cases, this means your direct debit will stop in the first week of July. However, if you have any outstanding fees, your current payment arrangements will continue until any outstanding balance is cleared.
I am behind in my fees. What will happen to these?
The Targeted Training and Apprentice Fund only relates to fees incurred from 1 July 2020. So, if you have outstanding fees to pay, you will still need to settle those. If you have not set up a payment arrangement for those fees, go to our Payment page to update your details, call us on 0508 754 557 or drop us an email at receivables@skills.org.nz.
I have already paid my fees for the year. Will I get a refund?
If you have paid for fees past the period of 30 June 2020, you may be entitled to a pro-rated refund. We will contact you in July with details of your refund as well as options around getting this processed.
To ensure we have your correct contact details, please call us on 0508 SKILLS (0508 754 557) or email us at support@skills.org.nz.
I already have Fees Free, so how will this impact me?
This new Government fund will be used in place of your Fees Free entitlement from 1 July 2020. If you or your apprentice are still in training at the end of 2022, you will then move back onto the Fees Free programme. So, in simple terms, if you are not paying fees now then that will just continue.
To discuss how you could use the balance of your Fees Free entitlement on other courses, please contact the TEC Fees Free team on 0800 687 775.
What happens if I’m made redundant?
If this is the case, we can help. Please contact your Account Manager so we can determine how best to support you.
When will my face-to-face visits with my Account Manager resume?
As of Thursday 14 May, Account Managers have been able to be back on the road. They are not yet able to attend your worksite, however, as they need to minimise unnecessary risks. As an alternative, they can meet you offsite or via a video chat if that suits. If you are wanting to see your Account Manager urgently, then feel free to contact them directly. Otherwise, they’ll be in touch in the near future to make arrangements with you.