Plumbers, drain layers and gas fitters have expressed disappointment with the training their apprentices are getting from Te Pūkenga.

Reports have surfaced of poor training facilities, students' work getting lost, and apprentices taking longer than expected to finish their programs as they wait for block courses to open up.

Dave Strong from Morrinsville Plumbing and Gas says one of his apprentices will have to wait an extra 8 months to finish their program, because key block courses weren't available.

"If you don't make some available, then it's smoke and mirrors. If you don't put courses on because you can't run them, then you don't have to cancel them."

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