Access to training has been made easier for Northland scaffolding apprentices with training provider EarnLearn now trialling local block course options.
EarnLearn, training provider for specialist trades including scaffolding, has announced it has established block courses to be held in Whangarei, open to trainees around Northland.
These new locally-held block courses will mean less travelling to Auckland for apprentices required to attend block courses, helping manage the costs, time and disruption involved in attending block courses.
EarnLearn Northland account manager Tracey Kingi says the new Whangarei-based block courses should make it easier for apprentices and their employers to manage their classroom-based training.
“Previously all the block courses available to Northland scaffolding apprentices have been based in Auckland. That has meant apprentices and their employers having to cover the costs of accommodation and travelling to Auckland.”
Travelling away to block courses also means apprentices are away from their work, and their families, for much longer, she says.
“Being able to attend block courses in Whangarei means many Northland apprentices will have much shorter travel times, and some will be able to stay at home while attending.”
Kingi says for some scaffolding apprentices who may not be used to being away from home, not having to travel will also give them a greater chance of training success.
“Having local scaffolding block courses should also be helpful to employers who will have their apprentices back onsite with their teams more quickly.”
Some Northland scaffolding block courses will initially still need to be held in Auckland, most will move to Whangarei as long as there is demand, and EarnLearn is still working to improve access to training across Northland.
