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.
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 a signed-up apprentice, we’ll also give you $1000 to spend on tools.
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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work readinessKeep your tools safe
As a tradie, your tools are your most valuable possession – but they’re also a top target for thieves. Tool theft is on the rise in New Zealand, as a...
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women in tradesFemale builder brings something new to the team
West Aucklander Brenna Bishop grew up helping her dad with building projects, but having never known a female builder, she wasn’t sure she could make it...
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work readinessFrom work experience to apprenticeship
A summer’s work experience in a busy bus workshop has been the key to a brighter future for good mates Kamosi Finau and Puna Taruia. Find out how these...
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success storyLight at the end of the tunnel
Coming to New Zealand for rugby, George Patterson found his passion in something he never expected. Since receiving his MPTT scholarship, he’s become a...
Jobs + Noticeboard
Heaps of jobs. Find one now.
Interviews are one of the more nerve-wracking parts of getting a job.
Want to work local? Each Hub matches employers with local residents with the right skill set. Find a job in your area –
CBD, Ara (Airport) or Tamaki.
If you live in Manurewa, Clendon, Randwick or Wiri and are about to go for your car learner licence test you are eligible to receive free access to our fast Learner Licence course.
Are you an MIT student or graduate? The Career and Employment Solutions team at MIT are here to support you with our online Jobs Board and Career Resources. To access this information, visit our site.
Are you an Unitec student or graduate? The Careers Centre at Unitec are here to support you with our online Jobs Board and Career Resources. To access this information, visit our site.
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.
Are you Tainui? Get 50% off on your drivers license fee. Find out more here.