Apprenticeship Training Scheme

Introduction

The Apprenticeship Scheme is mandated under the Apprenticeship Act 2014 and the Apprenticeship Regulations 2014.

The above-mentioned legislation establishes the Samoa Apprenticeship Council, which is in charge of administering the Apprenticeship Scheme but also designates the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Labour as the Apprenticeship Council’s administrative arm. The CEO of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour serves as the Council’s Chairperson.

About Apprenticeship?

A government initiative to enhance skills of tradespersons in Samoa through a system of work and part-time study combine, which involves both practical skills and an understanding of theory in the trades. It is a three (3) year program since the implementation of the new Apprenticeship Structure on the 13^th June 2022. The Apprenticeship Program is where an apprentice must fulfill all of the National Competency Standards (NCSs) of both theoretical and practical components, for both levels 3 and 4.

How is the training conducted?

Apprenticeship training is divided into two (2) components:

Workplace Assessment Method (On-the-job Training):

- Training conducted by an assessor (already registered under SQA) at the apprentice’s workplace in the presence of an observer (ad hoc basis)

Off-the-job Training:
- Training provided by the Training Provider.
  Monday – Thursday (5pm-8pm) or block basis (1 week).

Who are involved?

What can I study?

Currently, there are eight (8) Apprenticeable trade courses taught at the National University of Samoa’s Faculty of Applied Science for you to choose from.

Motor Mechanics – Inisinia o afi taavale
Electrical – Faaeletise (Faimoli)
Fitting & Machining – Gaosiga o totoga o masini
Plumbing – Palama
Carpentry & Joinery – Faakamuta & Fau meafale
Welding & Fabrication – Sosoo Uamea
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning – Fai Pusa aisa ma Masini ea malulu.
Electrical Electronics – Inisinia Failaau Eletise

What are the entry requirements?

Must be employed and have completed an Accredited Pre-employment Training at either a PSET provider or NUS.
Must be employed and have completed Year 12 with at least one year of relevant job experience.
Council may decide different entry criteria to a different year in special cases to warrant submission

How and When to Apply?

Each year, the number of apprentices accepted changes and is limited to a set amount for each trade. Applications for the scheme are typically announced in December and are due by the end of February or mid-March the following year. The National University of Samoa set the timetable for Apprenticeship Classes, and once it is available, apprentices and employers are notified.

Applicant should be 18+ years old and that application forms are available from MCIL any time during working hours. The Application Form can also be accessed and downloaded by clicking on our link below.

Apprenticeship Application Form

Fees

The program’s fees are to be paid by the three primary stakeholders;

The Government pays (50%)
The Employer pays (30%)
The Apprentice pays (20%)

Payment of Apprenticeship Fees for Levels 3 & 4

Levels	Total Nus Fees	Government 50%	Employer 30%	Apprentice 20%
Certificate III (Full-Year)	$2500.00	$1250.00	$750.00	$500
Certificate III (Half-Year)	$1250.00	$625.00	$375.00	$250.00
Certificate IV (Full-Year)	$3000.00	$1500.00	$900.00	$600.00
Certificate IV (Half-Year)	$1500.00	$750.00	$450.00	$300.00

Trade Testing

The revival of the Trade Testing Scheme for our local tradesmen with extensive knowledge and experiences without formal qualification is seen as an avenue and better option for early drop outs from school on personal reasons. If you’re already experienced in a trade with limited educational background, it may be better to do the Trade Test, which awards formal qualifications to people with existing skills.

Trade Test Application Form