The New Zealand Government has stopped covering training fees for new and existing apprentices.
Since 1 February 2023, all apprentices - including Masterlink apprentices - have been responsible for paying their own training fees.
Current apprentices whose block courses have been impacted by COVID restrictions and other delays, and who are now over the expected duration of their training programme, will not be charged further fees by Te Pūkenga in 2023.
Read more about available funding below.
If you have questions about how the latest government funding works with a Masterlink apprenticeship, Email admin@masterlink.co.nz or call 0800 502 102
Find out if you are eligible for Fees Free
Fees Free (for first-time learners)
Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024 and will be replaced by a final-year Fees Free scheme, starting 1 January 2025.
If you began your tertiary studies or training between 2018 and 2024 and haven’t yet verified your eligibility for Fees Free, you can still do so now.
To learn more about the eligibility criteria, check your status or understand how these changes may affect your studies, visit Fees Free.
What is the cost of an apprenticeship?
Masterlink training fees from 1 February 2023:
- Plumbing/Drainlaying & Gasfitting (PDG) - $10,000
- Plumbing/Drainlaying (PD) - $8,000
- Drainlaying Only (D) - $4,000
Payments are made through weekly wage deductions for the duration of your apprenticeship.
The benefits of doing your apprenticeship through Masterlink
Masterlink is New Zealand's only national group training programme that specialises in plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying.
Masterlink apprentices receive benefits that apprentices who are directly employed by businesses do not.
New Masterlink apprentices are provided with:
- a starter tool kit worth $2,000
- PPE - Personal Protective Equipment (see image above) - and an annual allowance to replace safety boots, or other PPE, over the duration of their apprenticeship.
- free essential face-to-face courses such as First Aid, Working at Heights, Confined Spaces, etc.
- free online Masterlink Health & Safety Modules. New apprentices completing this online training in 2023 can earn themselves a Makita Hammer Drill to boost their toolkits.
- wages paid when attending block course.
- accommodation, travel and meal allowances when attending block course (if required).
- access to literacy/numeracy/study assistance if required.
- mentoring support.