A Government programme aimed at bridging the gap between high school classroom learning and hands-on skills is set to expand into new regions after saying its pilot delivered “standout results”.
The Earn as You Learn pilot was launched in Waikato in February this year, and would expand into the Hutt Valley and Canterbury next year, followed by Auckland in 2027.
Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk called it “a government-backed and industry-led initiative that gives students paid, real-world experience in manufacturing while they study.”
“Students spent two days a week in the classroom at Wintec’s Rotokauri Campus and three days working with some of the region’s most advanced manufacturers as they earned an NZ Certificate in Manufacturing Level Three,” he said.
Penk said the pilot delivered learner completion rates of more than 80%, with eight of 10 participating employers agreeing to continue next year and more in talks to join up.
Many of the programme’s graduates were already stepping into jobs with the businesses involved, Penk said.
“Manufacturing risks facing ongoing shortages of skilled workers. Earn as You Learn helps secure the future of a sector that contributes 8% to national GDP and underpins 60% of our export economy, while giving young Kiwis the chance to step into exciting careers in a rapidly evolving field.”
He acknowledged the efforts Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa, Hanga-Aro-Rau, Wintec and the Waikato Engineering Careers Association, as well as the host businesses.
“It’s a powerful example of what industries can achieve when they work with vocational educators and government to build a pipeline of talented workers.
“Our task now is to take this proven model nationwide and ensure New Zealand has the skilled manufacturing workforce it needs for the future.”
