About this guide

This guide is for business owners, managers and team leaders who want to build skills and confidence in their workforce. It will help you:

  • Understand how apprenticeships work
  • Learn what’s involved in training an apprentice
  • Access tools to mentor and support learners on-the-job
  • Create a tailored plan that fits your business goals and workforce needs
  • Tap into Competenz support at every step.

Together, we’ll turn talent into capability—building a workforce that’s skilled, adaptable and ready for the future.

Support numbers and emails

  • Competenz eLearning support - canvas.lms@competenz.org.nz
  • Service Hub team - 0800 526 1800 (choose option 3 for customer support)
  • Competenz Learner support - learnersupport@competenz.org.nz

How we support you

We make it easy for you to grow the skills in your team through on-the-job training. Whether you're hiring someone new or upskilling a current employee, we’ll help set up a training programme that works for your business.

From day one, we:

  • Work with you to select the right programme that results in a nationally recognised qualification
  • Align training to real job tasks
  • Provide clear expectations and structure
  • Check in regularly to support progress

Our training advisors are your go-to support throughout the journey—on hand to make training straightforward and valuable for both you and your apprentice.

Welcome

About Competenz

Competenz is one of New Zealand’s leading providers of work-based learning. Each year we support over 12,500 learners and more than 3,500 employers across 33 industries—from engineering and forestry to fire protection and signmaking.

[infographic and montage of industries supported]

We work with businesses to build the capability they need to stay productive, competitive and ready for change.

On-the-job training:

  • Builds practical skills
  • Improves productivity and safety
  • Helps you retain and grow good people
  • Strengthens your business and your industry.

More than 60% of apprenticeships begin because an employer sees potential in someone already on their team. When you’ve got the right person, Competenz can help you develop that potential into nationally recognised skills and qualifications.