We’ve gathered the most common questions from Employers so you can find the answers you need quickly.
Thinking about taking on an apprentice?
Apprenticeships are a smart way to grow your own talent pipeline while keeping skills in-house. Here’s what you need to know before you get started with EarnLearn.
Get in touch through our website or call our team. We’ll talk through your business, trades, and workload, then advise the best pathway to bring an apprentice on board.
No. You can either bring an existing employee to enrol, or we can help you recruit through our JobSite, schools, and industry networks.
We support apprenticeships across key trades such as Electrical, Plumbing, Gasfitting, Drainlaying, and Industrial Measurement & Control. If you’re unsure whether your role fits, we’ll assess it with you.
Once the paperwork is sorted and the employment agreement is in place, most apprentices can be onboarded within 5–10 working days.
You’ll have a dedicated EarnLearn representative who looks after your apprentices, visits your workplace, and keeps you updated on progress.
Already on the tools?
This section covers everything about day-to-day life as an apprentice — how training works, what support you’ll get, and how to stay on track.
Your apprentice is a full member of your team, learning on the job while completing formal training. This section covers supervision, expectations, and how we partner with you.
You provide safe, supervised work that allows your apprentice to practise the skills in their training plan. You’ll also confirm on-job evidence when requested and take part in progress discussions.
Apprentices must be supervised by a suitably qualified person, especially for any work that has licensing or safety requirements. As they progress, the level of direct supervision can reduce, but oversight remains essential.
Talk to your EarnLearn representative as early as possible. We can help you plan training around peak periods and make sure key requirements are still met.
Yes, as long as it complies with employment law and health and safety obligations. We recommend balancing hours so fatigue doesn’t impact safety or study.
Contact your EarnLearn representative. We can help put a clear improvement plan in place and support both you and the apprentice to get things back on track.
How does the training side actually work?
EarnLearn manages the formal training and assessment while you provide real-world experience. Here’s how the pieces fit together.
EarnLearn develops the training plan, arranges off-job training, and manages assessments through qualified assessors. We also monitor progress so you know how your apprentice is tracking.
They’ll work towards a nationally recognised New Zealand Certificate in their trade (for example, Electrical Engineering or Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying).
On-job tasks build the practical skills needed for the qualification, while off-job training covers theory and underpinning knowledge. We align both so your apprentice can apply what they learn straight away on site.
You’ll receive regular progress updates, visit reports, and clear information on units completed and what’s coming next. Your EarnLearn representative will also talk through any risks early.
If they move to another business, their apprenticeship can usually be transferred. We’ll manage the training agreement and keep their records continuous.
Need support for your apprentice – or for you as an employer?
Apprenticeships are a big commitment for everyone involved. We provide learning and wellbeing support so you’re not managing it alone.
We offer literacy, numeracy, and study support, along with extra coaching where needed. If an apprentice has specific learning needs, we’ll work with you to put the right support in place.
Encourage them to speak with their EarnLearn representative. We can connect them with appropriate wellbeing, financial, or counselling services so issues don’t derail their training.
In some situations, training can be put on hold for a period (for example, medical or family reasons). We’ll work with you to adjust timelines and keep things clear.
You’ll have access to advice on best practice for developing apprentices, handling tricky situations, and planning workforce development. We’re here to make apprenticeships work smoothly for your business.
Wondering what it costs to train an apprentice?
There are training fees and wage costs to consider, but also strong long-term returns. This section covers fees, funding, and employer subsidies.
You employ and pay your apprentice directly under an employment agreement. EarnLearn manages training and assessment, not payroll.
There is a training fee that covers programme design, off-job courses, assessments, learner support, and administration. Fees vary by trade, and we’ll provide a clear schedule before you sign anything.
If the apprentice is a first-time learner, they may be eligible under the Government’s Fees Free policy (subject to current criteria). We can help you and your apprentice check eligibility.
Government support schemes change over time. We’ll keep you updated on any current incentives that may apply, and what you need to do to access them.
If an apprentice withdraws or transfers, fees are reviewed based on how much training has been delivered. We’ll talk you through the implications if this happens.
How do we keep apprentices safe on site?
Safety is non-negotiable. Employers and EarnLearn work together to make sure apprentices are trained, supervised, and safe at work.
You must provide a safe workplace, suitable supervision, proper PPE, and clear safety procedures. Apprentices should receive the same level of protection and induction as any other worker.
Yes. We complete workplace checks to ensure the environment is appropriate for training and meets baseline safety expectations. We may also follow up on any reported incidents.
Yes. Health and safety content is built into their programme and often starts in the first stages of training. Your own site inductions and toolbox talks remain essential.
Follow your normal incident procedures, notify ACC where required, and inform your EarnLearn representative as soon as possible. We’ll support any training adjustments needed during recovery.
How does the employment side work with EarnLearn involved?
You are the employer; we handle the training. This section clarifies where responsibilities start and stop.
You are. The employment agreement is between your business and the apprentice. EarnLearn is the training provider and doesn’t employ apprentices directly.
We can point you towards guidance and reputable templates, but we always recommend you seek HR or legal advice to ensure your agreements meet current legislation.
You follow your normal HR process in line with employment law. Keep your EarnLearn representative in the loop so we can support the apprentice and understand any impact on training.
Yes, but only following a fair and lawful process. If dismissal is being considered, please talk with us early so we can help manage the training consequences and options.
What happens when my apprentice finishes?
Completion is a major milestone for both your apprentice and your business. Here’s what to expect.
Once all units, assessments, and practical requirements are finished, EarnLearn verifies the evidence and confirms completion. We’ll let you know when your apprentice is reaching the finish line.
They’ll be awarded a New Zealand Certificate in their trade and any associated licences or registrations can then be pursued through the relevant regulatory body.
You gain a fully qualified tradesperson who understands your systems, clients, and culture. Many employers see significant productivity and quality gains from home-grown talent.
Absolutely. We can help you plan your next intake and build an ongoing apprenticeship pipeline across your business.
Need help with portals, logins, or paperwork?
We use digital tools to keep admin simple and give you clear visibility of your apprentices’ progress.
You’ll receive instructions and login details for any relevant portals during onboarding. These tools allow you to see progress, bookings, and key documents.
Use the password reset option where available, or contact our support team for help.
You can reach us by phone on 0800 327 648 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5 pm) or email support@waiouru.earnlearn.ac.nz. We’ll direct your query to the right person.
0800 327 648 (0800 EARN IT)
Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5pm
If you’re overseas, please phone
+64 09 9051748
supportel@waiouru.earnlearn.ac.nz
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