Employer FAQ
Clear answers for employers, so you can support apprentices well

Getting Started as an Employer

Apprenticeships are a smart way to grow your own talent pipeline while keeping skills, knowledge, and culture in-house. EarnLearn works alongside employers to make the process simple, compliant, and aligned to how your business actually operates.

Getting started is straightforward. Once you get in touch, we will talk through your business, the trade or role you are hiring for, and the type of work you have available. From there, we confirm whether an apprenticeship is the right fit and recommend the most suitable training pathway.

EarnLearn manages enrolment, training setup, and the assessment framework so you can stay focused on running your business.

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No. You can bring an existing employee or new hire to enrol, or EarnLearn can help you recruit. We support recruitment through our EarnLearn TradeMatch, schools Gateway programmes, and industry networks.

This gives you flexibility to grow talent in a way that suits your business and timeline.

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Once the employment agreement is in place and required details are confirmed, most apprentices can be onboarded within 5 to 10 working days.

EarnLearn handles enrolment, learning access, and assessment setup, and provides a clear training plan so expectations are set from day one.

You will have a dedicated EarnLearn representative who supports your business throughout the apprenticeship. They coordinate training, check progress, support supervisors and verifiers, and act as your main point of contact.

You will also have access to MyPortal so you can track progress and stay informed without chasing updates.

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Working with Apprentices Day to Day

Once an apprentice is on board, day-to-day success comes down to clear expectations, good communication, and the right level of support.

An apprentice is a fully employed member of your team who learns by doing real work under supervision. Their training is built around the tasks they complete on the job, supported by structured learning and assessment through EarnLearn.

EarnLearn works alongside you to set expectations early, clarify what tasks count toward training, and ensure assessment fits naturally into normal work activities.

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As the employer, you are responsible for providing a safe workplace, appropriate supervision, and access to relevant work so the apprentice can practise and build skills. You may also be asked to confirm workplace evidence or take part in progress discussions.

EarnLearn provides the training plan, assessment structure, and guidance so you know what is expected and when. You are not expected to manage the qualification process on your own.

Apprentices must be supervised by a suitably qualified person, particularly for tasks with safety or licensing requirements. Early in the apprenticeship, closer supervision is usually needed. As skills and confidence increase, the level of direct supervision can reduce, while overall oversight remains essential.

EarnLearn helps clarify supervision requirements for each stage of training and provides guidance where licensing rules apply.

Busy periods are normal. If work ramps up or priorities shift, let your EarnLearn representative know as early as possible. We can adjust training schedules, prioritise critical tasks, and help plan assessment around peak workloads.

The goal is to keep progress moving without adding pressure during high-demand periods.

Yes, apprentices can work overtime or shifts as long as this complies with employment law, health and safety requirements, and any relevant fatigue management expectations.

We recommend balancing hours so work demands do not negatively affect learning, safety, or wellbeing. If you are unsure what is appropriate, EarnLearn can provide guidance.

Training, Qualifications & Progress

EarnLearn manages the formal training and assessment side of the apprenticeship, while you provide real workplace experience. Training is designed to fit around day-to-day work so apprentices can build skills without disrupting productivity.

EarnLearn takes responsibility for the training plan, assessment structure, and overall programme delivery. We develop the learning pathway, coordinate any off-job training, and manage assessments through registered and qualified assessors.

We also monitor progress, check evidence, and manage moderation and NZQA reporting. This means you have visibility of progress without needing to manage the training system yourself.

Your apprentice will work towards a nationally recognised New Zealand Certificate relevant to their trade. This may include qualifications in Electrical Engineering, Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying, or Industrial Measurement and Control.

All qualifications are aligned to industry standards and support future licensing or registration requirements where applicable.

On-job training focuses on practical skills gained through real workplace tasks. Off-job training covers theory, underpinning knowledge, and regulatory requirements that cannot be assessed solely on site.

EarnLearn aligns both components so apprentices can immediately apply what they learn in training to their day-to-day work. This reduces repetition, reinforces learning, and keeps training relevant to your business.

You will receive regular progress updates, workplace visit summaries, and clear information on what has been completed and what is coming next. Your EarnLearn representative will flag any risks early and work with you to keep progress moving.

You will also have access to MyPortal, which provides visibility of progress and upcoming requirements without needing to chase updates.

If an apprentice moves to another business, their apprenticeship can usually continue without restarting. EarnLearn manages the transfer process, updates the training agreement, and ensures records remain continuous.

This protects the progress already made and reduces disruption for both the apprentice and the employer.

Support & Wellbeing

Apprenticeships are a shared commitment between the apprentice, the employer, and EarnLearn. When challenges arise, early support makes a real difference. We provide learning and wellbeing support so you are not managing issues on your own.

EarnLearn offers learning support for apprentices who need help with literacy, numeracy, study skills, or understanding assessment requirements. Support can include one-on-one coaching, additional learning resources, and practical strategies to help apprentices keep up with training expectations.

If an apprentice has specific learning needs, we work with you to put the right support in place so progress can continue without disrupting workplace performance.

If an apprentice is experiencing personal challenges such as stress, family pressure, financial strain, or mental health concerns, encourage them to speak with their EarnLearn representative. Early conversations help prevent issues from escalating or affecting safety and performance on the job.

EarnLearn can connect apprentices with appropriate wellbeing, financial, or counselling services so issues are addressed while training stays on track.

Yes. In certain circumstances, training can be paused for an agreed period. This may apply in situations such as medical issues, family commitments, or other significant events that temporarily affect an apprentice’s ability to train.

EarnLearn works with both the employer and the apprentice to adjust timelines, document changes, and keep expectations clear so there are no surprises when training resumes.

EarnLearn supports employers with practical advice and guidance throughout the apprenticeship. This includes help with managing performance concerns, setting clear expectations, planning training around workloads, and navigating employment or training-related issues.

Your EarnLearn representative is your main point of contact and works with you to ensure apprenticeships remain productive, compliant, and sustainable for your business.

Wages, Costs & Funding

Taking on an apprentice involves wage costs and training fees, but it is also a long-term investment in capability, retention, and workforce stability. This section explains what employers pay, what funding may be available, and how EarnLearn supports you through the process.

As the employer, you employ and pay your apprentice directly under an employment agreement. This includes wages, leave, and other employment obligations, just as you would for any other employee.

EarnLearn manages the training and assessment side of the apprenticeship, but we are not involved in payroll or employment arrangements.

EarnLearn charges a training fee that covers programme design, learning resources, off-job training where required, assessment, moderation, learner support, and administration.

Fees vary by trade and programme. Before anything is confirmed, we provide a clear fee schedule so you understand exactly what is included and when costs apply.

Some apprentices may be eligible for the Government’s Fees Free policy if they are first-time tertiary learners and meet current eligibility criteria.

EarnLearn can help you and your apprentice check eligibility and understand how Fees Free may apply to training costs. Eligibility rules can change, so we recommend confirming this early.

From time to time, government subsidies or incentive schemes are available to support employers who take on apprentices. These schemes can change depending on government policy and funding priorities.

EarnLearn keeps employers informed about current incentives and explains what steps are required to access them if they apply to your situation.

If an apprentice withdraws from training or transfers to another employer, training fees are reviewed based on how much training has already been delivered.

EarnLearn will explain the implications clearly and manage any required changes to enrolment or training agreements. Our aim is to keep the process transparent and fair for all parties.

Health & Safety

Health and safety is a shared responsibility. Employers and EarnLearn work together to make sure apprentices are trained, supervised, and supported to work safely from day one. Safety expectations for apprentices are the same as for any other worker on site.

As an employer, you are responsible for providing a safe working environment. This includes suitable supervision, appropriate personal protective equipment, clear safety procedures, and a proper site induction.

Apprentices must be treated like any other employee when it comes to health and safety obligations. This includes hazard management, safe systems of work, and ensuring tasks are appropriate to their level of training and experience.

Yes. EarnLearn completes workplace checks to confirm the environment is appropriate for training and meets baseline health and safety expectations. These checks help ensure apprentices are learning in a safe and supportive setting.

If incidents or concerns are reported, EarnLearn may follow up with additional checks or guidance to support improvements and reduce future risk.

Yes. Health and safety training is built into every apprenticeship programme and is often completed early in the training pathway. This includes understanding safe work practices, risk awareness, and responsibilities on site.

Your own workplace inductions, toolbox talks, and site-specific training remain essential and should continue throughout the apprenticeship.

If an apprentice is injured, follow your normal workplace incident and injury procedures. This includes providing first aid, notifying ACC where required, and recording the incident in line with your policies.

You should also inform your EarnLearn representative as soon as possible. We will work with you to adjust training or assessment timelines if needed while the apprentice recovers.

Employment & HR

Employment and training are separate roles. You are the employer and manage the employment relationship. EarnLearn is the training provider and manages training, assessment, and qualification requirements. This section explains where responsibilities sit and how we work together when employment matters arise.

You are the legal employer of the apprentice. The employment agreement sits between your business and the apprentice, and you are responsible for wages, leave, performance management, and employment conditions.

EarnLearn does not employ apprentices. Our role is to manage training delivery, assessment, and progress toward qualification.

EarnLearn can point you towards general guidance and reputable sources for employment agreement templates. However, we recommend that you seek advice from an HR professional or employment lawyer to ensure your agreements meet current legislation and reflect your business needs.

This helps protect both you and your apprentice and ensures expectations are clear from the start.

If a disciplinary issue arises, you should follow your normal HR and disciplinary process in line with employment law and your internal policies. It is important to keep EarnLearn informed so we understand any impact on training, assessment, or attendance.

We can support conversations with the apprentice, help align training expectations, and adjust training plans if needed.

Yes, an apprentice can be dismissed, but only following a fair and lawful employment process. Because dismissal can affect the apprentice’s training and qualification, we ask that you talk with EarnLearn early if dismissal is being considered.

This allows us to help manage training records, discuss options such as transfers where appropriate, and ensure all parties are clear on next steps.

Completion & Next Steps

Completion is an important milestone for both the apprentice and your business. It marks the point where training requirements are met and your investment in developing skills on the job pays off.

An apprentice is ready to complete once all required units, assessments, and practical evidence have been successfully finished. EarnLearn reviews the evidence, confirms assessment outcomes, and completes the final checks needed for qualification completion.

We will keep you informed as your apprentice approaches completion so you can plan ahead for next steps within your business.

Once training is complete, the apprentice is awarded a nationally recognised New Zealand Certificate in their trade. This qualification reflects both practical competence and underpinning knowledge.

Where applicable, the apprentice can then apply for any required licences or registrations through the relevant regulatory body. EarnLearn can guide them on what steps come next.

You gain a fully qualified tradesperson who already understands your systems, customers, safety expectations, and workplace culture. This often leads to improved productivity, stronger quality outcomes, and reduced recruitment risk.

Many employers find that developing their own people leads to higher retention and long-term capability within the business.

Yes. Many employers continue working with EarnLearn to take on additional apprentices or to build an ongoing apprenticeship pipeline across their business.

We can help you plan future intakes, stagger training to suit workload, and support long-term workforce development.