One of the main stumbling blocks has been removed from tertiary education with the introduction of fees-free study for the first 12 months for eligible students.
The Government has made good on its 100-day promise of delivering the first year of fees-free post school training and education and industry training from January 1 next year.
Also from New Year's Day, Student Allowance rates and the maximum amount students can borrow for living costs will increase by $50 a week. Where the rate reflects the living costs of two adults, the increase will be $100 a week. Student Allowance recipients will not need to do anything to access the increased rate.
A second year of free study will be introduced by 2021 and a third year by 2024.
The issue of being able to afford programmes, as well as the costs of living, has long been a worry for many students.
Whanganui-based private training establishment (PTE) Ag Challenge is an ideal provider to guide school leavers through the fees-free path to employment.
General manager Sally Ross said most of the programs available were 12 months or less, so eligible students could end their study with an industry-relevant and recognised qualification that results in employment without incurring student debt.
"We also do a lot of work with secondary school students earning NZQA credits studying with us while still at school through our Dual Pathways or Student Tertiary Partnership programmes.
"If for some reason they want to leave school and continue studying toward a diploma, they will still qualify for fees-free courses. This, in particular, is where we see the government has got it right.
"We are currently interviewing for next year's intake and have said we will let people know if they qualify for fees-free study. Most will be going through Study Link anyway, so will be aware of the criteria," Ms Ross said.