Budget 2026: More trades training and infrastructure promised
23 July 2026
In June, the Government released more information on its Budget funding for trades training. The aim is to see more young people coming into building and construction.
The first part of the strategy includes doubling the number of Trades Academies available to students in Years 11-13, from 10,000 to 20,000.
“This investment means thousands more students will be able to access hands-on learning, gain industry experience, and develop the skills and knowledge they need for apprenticeships, further training, and employment while they are still at school,” - says Education Minister Erica Stanford.
Industry Skills Boards (ISBs), which replaced the previous Workforce Development Councils, have also been given funding to develop new subjects for secondary students linked to the trades, including a specialist Building and Construction subject.
The Government has promised that ISBs will be working directly with employers and industry sectors to ensure the knowledge and skills being taught match what industry needs. The aim is to make students better prepared for apprenticeships and the realities of the job.
The changes will be funded by the withdrawal of the fees free scheme for final-year students, which ends this year.
More people coming into the trades will be needed to build the $7 billion worth of new infrastructure funded in the recent Budget. The projects outlined include 10 new schools and more than 200 classrooms, hospital developments, social housing and justice facilities, all of which will create demand for skilled tradies and well-prepared businesses.
For employers, the message is that the upturn is coming, and now is the time to get ready.
With more young people coming through trades academies and looking for pathways into work, businesses that invest in training now will be better placed to secure talent, build capability and take advantage of the Government’s building programme.
Both Master Builders and construction firm Hawkins NZ welcomed these announcements at a post-Budget breakfast, saying the certainty of new work would enable businesses to plan, invest and give people opportunities.
“And that’s been the hard thing to do over the last couple of years due to uncertainty around the market, so a Budget like this gives businesses some confidence to push go on projects and employ some people.” - says Hawkins CEO, Craig Treloar.
Businesses thinking about training should get in early. The next wave of trainees is coming through, the work pipeline is building, and employers who move now will be in the strongest position to benefit.
For a full summary of what’s included in Budget 2026, go to the Treasury website.
