Why So Many Apprentices Drop Out — and What We Can Do About It
We focus only on carpentry and visit every 6–8 weeks to give targeted, practical support that helps both builders and apprentices succeed.
TL;DR:
Builders Academy is an on-site training partner that helps builders coach apprentices and reduce dropouts — which are as high as 50% in the industry. We focus only on carpentry and visit every 6–8 weeks to give targeted, practical support that helps both builders and apprentices succeed.
We all know the industry needs more qualified builders. But here’s something worth thinking about: a large number of apprentices don’t make it to the finish line.
Stats show that completion rates for construction apprenticeships are lower than many other trades. That’s a problem—not just for the apprentices, but for the employers who’ve invested time and energy into training them.
So what’s going wrong?
It’s not just about the apprentice
When someone drops out, the blame often lands on them. But the reality is more complex. Many apprentices don’t get the right support. They’re left unsure of what’s expected, with no one checking in regularly. On the employer side, builders are busy running sites—not running training programmes.
This gap leads to missed deadlines, poor progress, and apprentices quietly giving up.
What we’ve learned from the job
At Builders Academy, we spend most of our time on-site with builders and apprentices. From what we see, consistent contact and clear guidance make the biggest difference.
When apprentices know what they’re working towards—and feel supported to get there—they’re far more likely to stick with it. The same goes for employers. When they’re backed with tools and advice on how to train effectively, everything runs smoother.
We also see that tailoring the training to match what’s actually happening on-site makes the process faster and more relevant. It keeps things moving without piling on unnecessary admin.
What employers tell us
We often hear the same things:
“I’m keen to train someone, but I’m not a teacher.”
“I just want them to learn properly and show up keen.”
“I don’t have time to chase paperwork.”
These are fair points. And they highlight why good systems and support are essential. Builders know how to build. But training someone properly—on top of running a job—takes structure, and follow-through.
The bottom line
If we want more qualified builders in New Zealand, we have to keep apprentices in the game. That means giving them (and their employers) a clearer path through the qualification.
Not more red tape. Just more support that works.
Want to know how we approach it?
We’re happy to chat about what’s working on-site—and what’s not.
buildersacademy.co.nz | 0800 876 4664