Canvas is accessible only within New Zealand and Australia.
Canvas is accessible only within New Zealand and Australia.
Canvas is accessible only within New Zealand and Australia.
Canvas is accessible only within New Zealand and Australia.
Competenz supports you through every step of the apprenticeship journey — from setting up training to resolving issues. This guide explains where to go for help and what to expect.
Providing great supervision and mentoring is one of the most important parts of supporting an apprentice. It's more than showing them how to do the job — it's about helping them grow confidence, build good habits, and make steady progress toward their qualification.
Your training advisor will work with you to plan structured on-the-job learning and provide practical tips to guide your apprentice day-to-day. They can help you shape feedback and set clear expectations. For more detailed strategies — including the GROW model for coaching conversations and setting SMART tasks — see the mentoring guide.
Your training advisor can support you with goal setting, milestone reviews and giving constructive feedback. They'll also guide you through completing assessments.
If you have concerns about your apprentice's progress in their training, such as falling behind on assessments or struggling with learning, your training advisor is here to help and can agree a plan to get things back on track.
If your concerns are employment matters — such as behaviour, attendance, or attitude at work — these should be handled through your usual HR processes or with your HR representative. Not sure where your concern sits? Check in with your training advisor — they'll help clarify.
Pastoral care is about supporting the whole person, not just their learning journey. It includes being aware of anything that might affect an apprentice's ability to train and work effectively — confidence, motivation, health, family responsibilities, or financial pressure.
In New Zealand, pastoral care is a shared responsibility between the employer and Competenz; under the Education and Training Act, we're both committed to helping apprentices feel safe, supported and equipped for success.
As an employer you play a crucial role: regular check-ins, open communication, and building a strong support network. We recommend assigning a workplace buddy or mentor — someone approachable who can guide them through their first few weeks. If an apprentice is struggling, reach out to your training advisor to explore practical solutions — extra study support, regular catch-ups, or connecting them with wellbeing services and study groups.
If an apprentice is showing signs of stress, burnout or other challenges, the employer and training advisor should stay in close contact and work together on solutions. Your training advisor can check in with the learner and connect them to the right support.
Every apprentice learns differently. If your apprentice has a learning difficulty or needs extra support, Competenz can help you adapt the training approach or arrange additional resources.
New Zealand's workforce includes people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, each bringing unique strengths, values and ways of working. Creating an inclusive environment helps apprentices settle in, feel supported and succeed. In practice this could mean:
These aren't major shifts — often it's small changes in how we listen, plan and respond. You don't need to know everything about every culture; what matters is being respectful, open-minded and willing to learn. When people feel welcomed and understood, they're more likely to stay engaged, share ideas and take pride in their work.
If your apprentice needs time off or is facing personal challenges, let your training advisor know. They'll help adjust the training plan and keep the learner supported during time away.
As an employer you're responsible for meeting legal obligations related to employment, health and safety, privacy and training agreements. Competenz helps by making sure you're aware of these and supporting you through common questions. Your training advisor can point you to the right resources and explain what's typically expected, but for specific legal questions such as employment disputes or contract issues, seek advice from a qualified employment lawyer or trusted HR professional.
As the employer you're responsible for meeting your obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, including a safe working environment. Apprentices also have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and avoid putting others at risk. Competenz provides training modules and checklists to help apprentices learn safe practices, but we don't provide health and safety advice.
You're required to keep training records and protect learner privacy. If unsure what to collect or how to store it, your training advisor can explain best practices for personal information and data privacy.
Competenz offers free support services to help you train with confidence: mentoring guides, progress tracking tools, wellbeing support and regular check-ins with your training advisor.
If your apprentice has trouble logging into eLearning, our Service Hub team is an email or phone call away. Your training advisor can also guide you through using the system.
If a concern arises between you and your apprentice — or with Competenz — raise it early. Our complaints process is fair and confidential; your training advisor or regional manager can guide you through it. Follow the processes in the Competenz complaints policy and process.
Hiring an apprentice isn't just about filling a role; it's an investment in the future of your business and your industry. Many employers say training an apprentice brings real satisfaction — passing on your knowledge, shaping someone's career and building a stronger workforce.
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), while there are some upfront costs, apprenticeships deliver increasing returns over time: most businesses see clear productivity gains by Year 3, and by Year 5 the investment has usually paid for itself. From then on, you've got a fully trained, confident team member who knows your business, fits your culture and adds real value.
Apprenticeships don't just build skills — they build loyalty, capability and pride.
A good start can make all the difference. Many apprentices are already part of your team before they start formal training. Onboarding is your chance to help them connect the dots between work and learning.
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