Build an awesome career – even if you hated school. Having practical skills under your belt earns you cash, gives you confidence and lets you help your whānau and community. Even better, Māori and Pasifika can train for free – no strings attached. If you’re aged between 16 – 40 and passionate about learning a trade, we’re here to help.
EARN GOOD MONEY
Learn practical skills you’re proud of, with no student loan. We’ll pay your fees and help you find work so you can earn money while training.
BE IN DEMAND
There aren’t enough qualified tradies in New Zealand and nearly 7000 new jobs are expected each year – which means more opportunity for you.
SKIP THE OFFICE JOB
Having trades skills means you can get paid to work outside and do the hands-on mahi (work) you love.
CAN I GET AN MPTT SCHOLARSHIP?
You might think scholarships are just for flash people – like those who get top marks at school or want to go to university. But many great careers have nothing to do with how academic you are.
Successful trades people have a great attitude, are good with their hands and enjoy doing practical work as part of a team. Our scholarships are for you if you’re serious about building a career in the trades. You’ll also need to be:
- Māori or Pasifika
- Aged between 16 – 40
- Accepted into your chosen course*
*For us to pay your fees you’ll first need to get into your course – but we can help you with that too.
“I wasn’t even going to apply because I thought ‘I can’t get a scholarship’. It was a pretty exciting
feeling and I felt very privileged because it means I’m debt free when I walk out of my course.”
How we can help
MPTT supports Māori and Pasifika to build lasting careers in the trades. You’ll join hundreds of other Māori and Pacific Islanders who are learning a trade, and we’ll work closely with you to help you prepare for working life. When it comes to choosing the right course or finding that first job, we’ve partnered with training and industry organisations so you can go from beginner to qualified as smoothly as possible. There’s more than one option to get your course fees paid – but for Māori and Pasifika in Tāmaki Makaurau, the MPTT scholarship provides the most well-rounded support. Find out how MPTT compares to other funding options.
FREE FEES AND TOOLS
It can be hard to find the cash for your training. That’s why we’ll pay your course fees – no strings attached. Once you’re employed in the trades, we’ll also give you a grant to spend on the tools of your trade or relevant financial assistance.
COACHING
Besides nailing the practical skills, you need personal skills to make it on the job. To help you reach your goals, we’ll set you up with a ‘Navigator’ (coach) who has knowledge of the industry and of Māori and Pasifika cultures.
FINDING WORK
We’ll show you how to land a job with the best employers. When you’re ready, we’ll help you find work and give you a ‘Work Readiness Passport’ that tells employers you’ve got what it takes.
Whatever trade you’re into, start your journey to becoming a skilled tradie. Apply for an MPTT scholarship today.
Which trade is for you?
The right trade for you depends on your interests and personality. To help you choose, we’ve collected information about what each trade involves, how you can learn, and where it could take you. There are a few ways to get your course fees paid – but they’re not all the same. Find out how MPTT compares to other funding options.
Women in trades
Our wahine are thriving in the trades industry and developing sought-after skills. If you’re a woman thinking of learning a
trade, you won’t be alone. More and more women are entering the sector and building exciting, well-paid careers.
news + stories
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success storyBuilding a bright future
Te Hurinui Retimana (Te Whānau-a-Apanui and Ngāpuhi) also known as Te for short, is on an exciting pathway to trade success. Te is currently completing...
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featureMPTT Navigators guide your journey into the trades
MPTT Navigators will be beside you for every step of your journey into the trades. They’re ready to help you succeed in your pre-trades training, find...
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eventAward winners share their advice on succeeding in Pre-Trades
Each year, among the hardworking MPTT scholars, we recognise the most outstanding learner in each trade’s pre-training course. As they received their...
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employerVentia and MPTT prove the Power of Partnership
Ventia and MPTT have had a longstanding partnership that is built on matching Māori and Pasifika trainees and tradies to employment opportunities where...
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As an MPTT scholar, you’re entitled to a $1000 tools grant once you start an apprenticeship. Apply within 18 months of finishing your course to avoid missing out.
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