The Government says it will increase Maori and Pasifika trade training to 3000 places from the 600 at present.
The pre-Budget announcement commits $43 million to the extra training, made up of $35 million reprioritised from the Industry Trading Fund and $8 million from Vote Employment.
The Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment said on Thursday this would allow more Maori and Pasifika students to move into trades and get apprenticeships.
Steven Joyce said there is a big opportunity over the next few years for tradespeople, particularly with the rebuilding of earthquake-hit Christchurch.
The Budget will be delivered on 16 May.
