Employers who take on apprentices who were on the dole will get funding to help give "wrap around" support.

The Government's launched a scheme paying employers the equivalent of an apprentice's benefit, which they top up to at least the minimum wage.

There will also be $3,000 to $6,000 in funding for pastoral care.

Employment Minister Willie Jackson says the support could be as simple calling them each morning to make sure they get to work.

"You've got to remember that some of them are coming intergenerational unemployment. Some of them are coming from drugs, sadly. It's a real tough time for some of them. Pastoral care, it could go to a range of things, there's such a broad definition around it."

LISTEN TO WILLIE JACKSON TALK WITH LARRY WILLIAMS ABOVE