Fees for Trainees
Clear, upfront costs so you can plan with confidence
how much does an apprenticeship cost?

Starting an apprenticeship is a big step, both financially and personally. Apprentice fees vary depending on your trade and qualification, with most EarnLearn apprenticeships falling within the typical range shown below. Your exact fees depend on your trade and qualification. You’ll receive a full breakdown before signing your training agreement, including what’s included and how payment will work.

Electrical

Indicative weekly fees apply across EarnLearn electrical apprenticeships. Pricing may differ depending on whether a learner is a new apprentice, returning apprentice, or completing specific programme requirements.

  • Weekly fees from $55.75
    This is the standard weekly training fee for most electrical apprenticeship pathways.

  • Graduate-only weekly rate from $49.55
    A reduced weekly rate may apply for learners who already hold eligible Level 3 qualifications.

  • Programme- and eligibility-based pricing
    Fees can vary depending on programme type, eligibility criteria, and whether the learner is new or returning to training.

Plumbing, Gasfitting & Drainlaying (PGD)

PGD pricing varies depending on the trade discipline and whether the pathway is single-trade or complex (multi-trade).

  • Weekly fees from $52.00
    Applies to selected single-discipline pathways.

  • Annual fees from $2,704
    Annual pricing reflects the weekly fee multiplied across the programme year.

  • Some pathways priced at $54.20 per week / $2,818.40 annually
    Higher rates typically apply to complex or multi-discipline pathways.

  • Duration and cost vary by pathway
    Programme length and total cost depend on the selected trade and qualification structure.

Industrial Measurement & Control (IMC)

IMC pricing reflects the practice-based delivery model, designed to support learners through workplace-focused training and assessment.

  • Weekly fee: $47.50
    This covers training and assessment support throughout the programme.

  • Applies to the NZ Certificate in Industrial Measurement & Control (Practice) (Level 4)
    Pricing shown relates specifically to the practice pathway at Level 4.

Cranes

Cranes programmes are delivered through workplace-based assessment, with costs varying depending on the assessor arrangement and strand duration.

  • In-house workplace assessor fee from $415
    Applies where an employer provides an approved in-house assessor to support the assessment process.

  • Contract workplace assessor total typically ranges from $4,440 to $5,245
    This applies to 7-month strands where assessment is delivered by a contracted external assessor. Total cost varies by strand.

  • Additional strands (4 months)
    Shorter strands are priced separately and generally have a lower total cost than full 7-month strands.

Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) – Electrical

RCC pricing reflects the personalised nature of recognising existing skills and experience against the electrical trade qualification.

  • Initial evaluation: $230
    This covers the review of prior learning, experience, and evidence to determine the scope of assessment required.

  • Assessment bands from $1,199 to $5,999
    Assessment fees are banded based on the number of credits required to complete the qualification.

  • Final cost confirmed after evaluation
    Once the evaluation is complete, the appropriate assessment band is confirmed and total pricing is finalised.

Gateway (Schools)

Gateway support is designed for secondary school students and is charged as a single, upfront cost.

  • One-off fee: $200
    Covers coordination, support, and administration for the Gateway placement.

  • No ongoing weekly training fees
    Gateway does not attract weekly apprenticeship or training fees.

Your fees include

  • Access to structured learning resources and programme materials aligned to the qualification

  • Assessment delivery, moderation, and programme administration managed by EarnLearn

  • Ongoing support from your dedicated Training Advisor

  • Clear coordination and guidance for you as the employer throughout the apprenticeship

  • Access to wellbeing and support pathways when additional help is needed

Funding options

Funding support for apprenticeships

Programmes that may help offset training and wage costs.

Apprenticeship Boost

The Apprenticeship Boost scheme provides financial support to employers who take on apprentices. It is designed to help offset the cost of wages while apprentices build skills and complete their training.

Funding is paid directly to employers and may be available during the early stages of an apprenticeship, subject to eligibility and scheme settings.

What this can help with:

  • Wage costs for eligible apprentices
  • Supporting employers to bring on new apprentices
  • Reducing financial pressure during the early training period
Apprenticeship Boost →

Fees-Free Tertiary Education

The Fees-Free scheme helps eligible learners cover the cost of their first year of tertiary study or training, including some apprenticeship-related programmes.

Eligibility depends on factors such as prior study and residency status. Fees-Free is administered through the tertiary system rather than EarnLearn, and approval must be confirmed directly.

What this can help with:

  • Reducing or removing eligible training fees
  • Supporting learners starting formal study or training
  • Making training more accessible at the beginning of a pathway
IRD | Fees Free →
Over 6,000 apprentices supported Thousands of partnered employers NZ-wide support Over 6,000 apprentices supported Thousands of partnered employers NZ-wide support
Caleb - PGD apprentice

Earn while you learn

Caleb started his trade journey through the Schools Gateway Programme after realising he wanted hands-on work, not a desk job. Now nearing the end of his apprenticeship, he’s building real skills on the job while earning an income — without taking on a large student loan.

For Caleb, the balance of learning and earning has delivered financial independence, job stability, and a qualification that can take him anywhere.

Read Caleb's story →
Earning potential

What you could earn over time

Starting an electrical apprenticeship is a long-term investment in your income and career. While earnings grow over time, apprentices benefit from getting paid from day one, building skills, experience, and income at the same time.

Use the controls to explore different timeframes and scenarios, and see how earning while you learn can support both short-term income and long-term earning potential.

Adjust the timeframe to see how earnings and costs can play out. Indicative only — results vary by trade, region, hours worked, and role.

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Timeframe

Results show the selected final year salary and the cumulative net total up to that year. Apprenticeship assumes 4 training years. University assumes 3 study years.

6 yrs
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Fees used

Fees apply during apprenticeship training years only (Years 1–4).
Choose Low / Typical / High to match the range shown on this page.

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Sources (external)

Minimum wage (NZ): MBIE (used as unqualified baseline).
Electrician salary signals: Jobted — Electrician (low/median/high).
Plumber salary signals (optional reference): Jobted — Plumber.
Graduate salary signal: Glassdoor — Graduate (NZ).

Apprenticeship

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Apprenticeship model

Training years (1–4): step-up ladder from Jobted electrician “low” signal, then a qualified starting point at Jobted median.
Fees deducted in Years 1–4 only (selected fee option).
Post-qualification growth is higher than unqualified to reflect skill progression.

Year salary
$0

After qualification, typical earnings step up.

Cumulative net (to year )
+$0

Total earnings minus fees (Years 1–4).

Earn while you train, then step up once qualified.

University study

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University model

Study years (1–3): costs applied, no full-time earnings assumed.
Graduate earnings begin in Year 4, then grow annually.

Year salary
$0

Graduate earnings start after study.

Cumulative net (to year )
+$0

Total earnings minus study costs (Years 1–3).

Study first, then earn as a graduate.

Work without a qualification

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Unqualified model

Starts from adult minimum wage, then grows more slowly than skilled pathways.
Can look strong early because you earn immediately.

Year salary
$0

Immediate earnings from Year 1.

Cumulative net (to year )
+$0

No tuition or fees included.

Earn now, but progression is typically slower.

Figures are indicative only. Actual outcomes vary by trade, region, employer, hours worked, and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions

Fees for apprentices FAQs

Understand what your training costs include and how payments work.

Apprenticeship fees vary depending on your trade, qualification, and pathway, but most EarnLearn apprenticeships fall within a typical, predictable range. Fees are usually charged weekly to make costs easier to manage alongside earning an income.

Before you sign your training agreement, you will receive a clear, personalised fee breakdown that confirms your exact costs, how often you’ll pay, and what’s included. This ensures you can plan with confidence before committing.

Fees vary because different trades and programmes require different levels of training delivery, assessment, and support. Factors that influence cost include:

  • Programme length and structure

  • Assessment and moderation requirements

  • Whether training is classroom-supported or primarily workplace assessed

  • Whether you are a new apprentice, returning apprentice, or completing a specific pathway

This approach ensures you only pay for the training and assessment support your programme actually requires.

Your fees cover much more than training content alone. They typically include:

  • Access to structured, industry-aligned learning resources

  • Assessment planning, delivery, moderation, and quality assurance

  • Ongoing support from your Training Advisor, including progress check-ins

  • Programme administration and compliance

  • Coordination and guidance for your employer

  • Access to wellbeing support pathways if personal or financial challenges arise

You’ll receive a full outline of inclusions as part of your training agreement.

If your situation changes, such as needing to pause training, changing employers, or falling behind, support is available. Your Training Advisor will work with you to:

  • Adjust timelines and expectations

  • Coordinate with your employer

  • Prioritise what’s needed to get back on track

  • Connect you with wellbeing or financial support if required

The goal is to support progress, not penalise you when life gets in the way.

Contact Us →

If you want clarity before starting, EarnLearn can walk you through:

  • The right trade and pathway for your situation

  • Expected fees and payment structure

  • What’s included in your training

  • What support is available to you and your employer

We encourage you to ask questions early so you can make informed decisions before signing your training agreement.

GET In touch

Talk to us about apprenticeships fees

Starting an apprenticeship is a big decision, and understanding the costs upfront makes it easier to plan with confidence. We’re here to help you understand how fees work, what’s included, and what support is available while you train.

Understand apprenticeship fees and how payments are structured

Confirm what your training costs include and what to expect over time

Talk through your situation and plan next steps with confidence

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