PM promises to keep

Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins has announced the Apprenticeship Boost scheme would stay, in Labour’s second election promise.

‘‘It will reinforce our strong message to school leavers and, in fact, to all New Zealanders, that under Labour – the party of apprenticeships – the trades are a great career opportunity,’’ Hipkins said to almost 500 Labour members at the party’s congress yesterday.

‘‘We’re backing apprentices and we’re backing their employers,’’ he said.

‘‘We are known and we are tested, and we can be trusted. We are ready for the tough battle ahead in October. Bring it on.’’

The speech was focused on Hipkins’ political motivations and his background.

‘‘It will come as no surprise to you that education is one of my great passions in politics,’’ he said. ‘‘I remain as committed today as I was 20 odd years ago as a student protester to breaking down the barriers to participation in education at all levels.’’

Entering the stage to Elemeno P’s Baby Come On, Hipkins was introduced by Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni.

Trades ‘a great career opportunity’

In June last year, the apprenticeship scheme was extended to December 2023. It was introduced in 2020 and gives employers $500 a month for the first two years of an apprenticeship.

‘‘It’s helped deliver a 61% increase in the number of apprentices over the last three years and supported over 57,000 tradespeople to help fill labour shortages,’’ Hipkins said.

‘‘This policy for the 2023 election reinforces our strong message to school leavers that under Labour the trades are a great career opportunity.’’

Labour made an announce