Information for parents, family and whanau
Cadetships
Cadetships are another type of workplace learning. They are rare, but provide a great opportunity to gain skills while earning money. A long-term employment offer may sometimes come out of a cadet scheme.
Who can do a cadetship?
Cadetships are generally offered by different organisations and government departments.
A cadetship may be a suitable option for your child if they:
- want to earn while learning
- want to explore an industry they are interested in
- are prepared to make a fixed-term commitment while being trained.
What are the benefits of a cadetship?
Benefits of a cadetship include:
- gaining valuable work experience
- showing a potential employer what a person is capable of
- opening up a career in an industry to a person wants to work in.
How to become a cadet?
Cadetships are generally advertised in newspapers, on websites of education providers or by government departments. For example, Work and Income and Ministry of Youth Development offer cadet schemes internally or finance businesses to encourage them to offer cadetships.
- A cadetship in the public sector could be a good starting point
If your child is interested in being a cadet it might be worth asking potential employers, education providers, or family and friends if they know where to join a cadet programme. Also search on the Internet for “cadetships”, “cadet programmes” or “cadet schemes”.
Ministry of Youth development website - get help with cadetships in your local area
Work and Income website - contact your local office about cadetships in your area
What does a cadetship cost?
Cadetship costs can differ. Your child may want to ask a potential employer the following questions:
- What are the course fees, training material costs or other fees?
- Will there be any guidance and support during the cadetship?
- Is there an opportunity of employment once the cadetship is finished?
What qualification can be obtained?
Some cadetships offer the possibility to gain qualifications as part of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Check with the provider of the cadetship what qualification your child may be able to get.
