More Trades Training Opportunities In Southland

Southland secondary school students will benefit from increased trades training opportunities through the expansion of school Trades Academies.

Budget 2026 increased the number of Trades Academy places from 10,000 to 20,000 over the next four years, with this jump in place numbers funded by savings from cancellation of the Tertiary final-year Fees Free Scheme.

Trades Academies have been shown to increase young people’s participation in apprenticeships and improve educational and employment outcomes.

They are very effective because they provide students with the opportunity to learn skills in areas like construction, mechanics, or agriculture while still at school.

These partnerships between schools, tertiary institutions and employers are an excellent fit for local students who may otherwise disengage from the classroom and limit their career options.

Some of the savings from the cancellation of Fees Free are also being used to support 1000 more school leavers, with no or low qualifications, into free study and work-relevant learning through polytechnics and other tertiary providers.

These additional Youth Guarantee places provide wrap-around support to young people who need help to re-engage with learning, and offer a pathway to jobs, apprenticeships and further study.

Almost $2 billion had been spent on Fees Free over the past eight years with no real impact - it did not increase enrolments or completion rates, especially for those from low-income backgrounds.

By making better use of this funding, the Government is ensuring more young people aren’t stuck because of a lack of opportunity.

We want young Southlanders to see the amazing opportunities open to them in the trades as viable, valued and rewarding career path - and I’m confident these increased training opportunities will be hugely beneficial for young Southlanders and for our province.

Funded by Parliamentary Services, published by arrangement.