Apprenticeships and on-the-job training are powerful tools for building a skilled, loyal and future-ready workforce, yet persistent myths continue to cloud their reputation. Concerns like ‘If I train an apprentice, will they just leave?’, ‘I don’t have time to train someone’, or ‘It’s just too expensive’ often discourage employers from exploring these valuable opportunities. But how accurate are these assumptions? We talk to some prominent players in the New Zealand transport scene about the realities of training workers and uncover why investing in apprenticeships is not only practical – it’s also smart business.

Myth No.1 If I train an apprentice, will they leave?

Wayne Scott, MinEx, says if we don’t train workers, the industry can’t grow.

“If we don’t train our workers on the basis that they will leave, then we won’t be upskilling our industry, and we won’t have the people needed to progress our sector,” he says.

Adam Devoy from Devoy Panelworks says with the right support, apprentices are more likely to stay.

“If you put the correct schemes in place, and you hold onto them, treat them well, you’ll find you’re able to retain them,” he says.

Myth No.2 I don’t have time to train an apprentice

Graeme Mabey, HW Richardson Group, says training is an investment, not a cost.

“And certainly with the Health and Safety At Work Act, it’s a business’ responsibility to make sure staff are trained.”

Strat Campbell, Toyota New Zealand, adds, “For me, it’s an enjoyable thing. I like to watch the apprentice’s strengths grow and help them through their tasks.”

Myth No.3 It’s too expensive to train workers

Wayne Scott, MinEx, says workers are a company’s most valuable asset.

“As we all know, an untrained worker can damage equipment and cost us money.

“The small amount we invest in training is a small commitment to ensure we have a competent workforce,” he says.

Graeme Mabey, HW Richardson Group, says it’s too expensive not to train.

“The cost of training might seem initially off-putting, but the gains achieved through training and development will certainly outweigh any costs associated with bringing them on board,” he says.

Adam Devoy from Devoy Panelworks says there are options available to help with the costs of training staff.

“The fees-free policy that the government puts in place can take care of the majority of fees for an apprenticeship,” he says. “MITO also offers a number of scholarships.”

For more information on training, contact MITO at www.mito.org.nz