Greens propose scrapping training wage for apprentices

The Green Party has proposed abolishing New Zealand's training wage, the lower minimum rate for apprentices while they train. New Zealand's adult minimum wage is $23.95 an hour. The training and starting-out minimum wage is $19.16 an hour, set at 80 percent of the adult wage. Under the Greens' proposal, apprentices would instead be paid the full adult rate, according to RNZ.

Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said apprentice numbers were at a 15-year low. The Green Party said people should not be forced to live in poverty while they learn on the job.

The policy includes a $2000 equipment grant to cover tools, uniforms and course materials for apprentices. Employers that actively support apprentices to complete training would receive a $2000 completion bonus.

It includes a $30 million package for Māori and Pasifika-led training. The party said that package would include pastoral and learning support. The Greens have announced $380-a-week stipends for trainee teachers, nurses and other health and social workers while on placements.

The party has proposed guaranteeing a pathway to employment for 16- to 24-year-olds who have been out of work for six months. Infometrics-verified costings put the Greens' training policy at $117.35 million a year for four years.

Labour has proposed a $1000 equipment grant for apprentices. It has proposed expanding the Apprenticeship Boost scheme back to two years, which the Greens have not committed to. ACT is campaigning to reduce the training wage to 60 percent of the minimum wage and freeze the minimum wage for three years.