What is the cost of an apprenticeship?
This will depend on the qualification you enroll in.
The fees for your qualification are paid via 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.
Find out if you are eligible for Fees Free
Fees Free (for first-time learners)
Fees Free is now 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.