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Funding for wages and training

Wage and training support to help you recruit and up-skill people.

See 4 types of funding support on this page

Help to pay wages while your employee upskills

Flexi-wage  — Ministry of Social Development

Flexi-wage is an employment programme that helps job seekers get the skills they need to meet the requirements of a job.

What it's about

If you’re interested in hiring someone and they need support to gain the required job skills, the Flexi-wage programme may be able to help with in-work support, training or a wage contribution.

Who it's for

You may be able to get Flexi-wage for someone you hire if:

  • they meet the criteria
  • the position is ongoing and will continue after the contribution has finished
  • you pay at least the minimum wage for the job
  • you haven’t dismissed anyone to make the position available.  

What it offers

Work and Income will discuss with you the level of support the candidate needs to gain the skills to do the job, and whether it will be a Flexi-wage contribution, training, in-work support (such as pastoral care) or a combination.

Depending on the level of support needed, Flexi-wage may be paid for up to 36 weeks.

Work and Income has some discretion if the candidate has complex or specific needs. In addition, support is available for pre-employment or on-the-job training for people who need it. Staff will work this through with you. 

Visit the Work and Income website (external link)

Help with short-term job-focused training

Skills for industry — Ministry of Social Development

If candidates need industry specific skills for a job, we may be able to offer you funding and support to help with short-term pre-employment or in-work training.

What it's about

Skills for Industry is designed to help you to hire new staff and make sure they have training in skills specific to their role. The programmes, delivered by you to meet your requirements, or by a provider, are designed to be short, cost effective, address skill and labour shortages and provide assistance with in-work support.

Who it's for

If candidates need industry specific skills for a job, we may be able to offer you funding and support to help with short-term pre-employment or in-work training.

What it offers

Skills for Industry training can be delivered by you to meet your requirements, or by a provider. It can include

  • entry level training:
    • health and safety
    • business or industry induction
    • basic skills training, including licences
  • on-the-job training
  • industry qualifications once in employment
  • in-work support
Visit the Work and Income website (external link)

Paid work experience for people with a health condition or disability

Mainstream Employment Programme — Ministry of Social Development

You can support people with a disability or health condition into work through Work and Income's Mainstream Employment Programme. The programme runs for up to one year.

What it's about

Employment Service providers will work with you to find a suitable position for a candidate, depending on their skills and employment goals.

Who it's for

Employers who want to support a person with a disability or health condition into work.

What it offers

You get a wage subsidy and funding for training and equipment, as well as on-the-job support. 

Visit the Work and Income website (external link)

Support for employers to train permanent Māori staff

Cadetships — Te Puni Kōkiri

Boost the future of your business while developing the leadership and career paths of promising Māori employees. Partner with Te Puni Kōkiri to grow Māori leaders.

What it's about

Te Puni Kōkiri Cadetships supports Māori to achieve their potential in the workplace, and contribute to thriving, innovative and resilient businesses. It works by providing funding for employers to design, develop and implement tailored training and development programmes for Māori staff (who can be newly employed, or existing staff members), that will improve their skills, employability and earnings, and provide opportunities for them to move into leadership roles. Ideally, Cadetships programmes encompass elements of tikanga to support cadets to increase their confidence and mana.

Who it's for

Large, medium, and small employers, in a range of industries are encouraged to partner with Te Puni Kōkiri to deliver Cadetships programmes. Cadetships are largely aimed at supporting Māori of all ages who are moving to the next stage of their career, into management roles or leadership positions. They can also support new employees to accelerate their skills-development and opportunities for progression.

What it offers

For employers
Te Puni Kōkiri Cadetships:

  • provides up to $10,000 per cadet for training and development
  • invests in the future of the business economy
  • encourages growth in a range of industries both national and regional
  • contributes to thriving, innovative and resilient businesses, while increasing diversity and links to Māori communities.

For cadets
Te Puni Kōkiri Cadetships:

  • provides cadets with an opportunity for progression into the next stage of their career
  • develops Māori leadership and career progression
  • provides employer-led pastoral care throughout
  • helps to improve well-being and thriving whānau.
Visit the Te Puni Kōkiri website (external link)

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