As New Zealanders find themselves out of work, or entering the labour market for the first time, it is vital that there is strong support for them to get the skills and knowledge they need for work. For businesses they also need support to keep and take on apprentices. In the past, investment has not been made up front, seeing people drop out of the labour market, so that when the time comes and businesses have recovered there is not the workforce available with the required skills. We will not let that happen again. This Budget is funding a $1.6 billion trades and apprentices package. It will provide opportunity for New Zealanders of all ages to receive trades training. This will include financial support for businesses to retain their apprentices; free apprenticeships and training in targeted, critical industries; and funding increased enrolments in tertiary education and training. There is a specific $50 million fund for Māori apprentices and trades training. 