Great thread here
I'll add my 20cents, may or may not shock some, I didnt change one single ballcock in my apprenticeship. This should give you a clue regarding my training,  A V E R A G E.
I understand that as an apprentice, your green yes, but exploiting it is a shit way to start, if you talk back or are being a twat on site then yes some whipping into shape needs to be handed out, I can understand that, but not riding on the fact for your time. I noted the apprentices in my tech courses that were in a decent training agreement were so far ahead in terms of practicable hands on skills. Whos at fault here, if the employee has a good attitude and keen to learn?

hi guys, another one from Branz`builders mate`in  Placemakers. This will be Minister Joyce singing his praises, politicians cannot see further that their term in office, as long as the stats look good for them while they are there they will bang on about it. Once these new trainees find out and have to bear the costs of being in the trades compared to the amount that they can earn I believe that they will be moving on. Keeping them in the trades is the trick, time will tell, cheers
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Huge boost in apprentice numbers The Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) has seen a 22% jump in new building apprenticeships. Auckland has seen a 42% increase in apprenticeship sign-ups, with a 38% increase in Christchurch. It is estimated that over 90% of BCITO apprentices who have signed up since 6 March 2013 are eligible for the government’s Reboot grant of $2,000 towards tools and training costs.
 

Bet it doesn't - PGDR apprentice numbers have been falling over the recessionary years.  Skills and the ITO bemoan the fact and are constantly encouraging us to train more.  Numbers may have lifted slightly in the last few months and Chch will probably see a lift in numbers, but I would be surprised at the figures quoted - they are an increase from what?  From fallen numbers during the last four years?

With you there Watchdog.  I have several concerns around the apprenticeship system as it exists now -
a)  The watered down apprenticeship system - polytechs "assessing" and not teaching - this was the dumbest move ever by the ITO.  We need our polytechs to teach as well as assess - employers cannot do it all on their own - very few of us cover every aspect of the trade in our everyday work so the polytech becomes the "broad brush stroke"
b)  There is NO vetting of employers before they are given apprentices, so people just are not fit to have an apprentice - you need to be able to demonstrate that you can provide an employment contract, pay regular wages, have systems for health and safety in place
c)  A mentoring system should exist for new employers wanting to take on apprentices by pairing them up with an existing employer of good standing who can help them get their systems up and running
d)  Correspondence or night classes need to be returned - at the present time the apprentice is not "investing" any of their own time in to the apprenticehip - like the present schooling system - it's all become a bit easy and 9 to 5 - with no additional investment
e) Where is the robustness that will prove to our regulator that National Certificate should equal registration?  It doesn't exist.
f)  More employers or potential employers need to show an interest in the new training regime and have some input in to it or else they will get dished up with a few decide.

The incentives for employers to take on apprentices is sadly lacking.  There is no doubt that in their first year they cost you money and time, and hopefully by the 4th year you are recovering this and  have trained a "fit for purpose" employee who does things the way your want your business run.  The Australian model has some attractiveness about it that NZ could adopt.