The government’s “Earn as You Learn” pilot, designed to bridge classroom lessons with hands-on skills, is set to roll out across additional regions after delivering standout results in its initial run.
The program began in Waikato in February and is slated to extend to Hutt Valley and Canterbury next year, with Auckland joining the expansion in 2027.
Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk described the initiative as a government-backed, industry-led effort that provides students with paid, real-world manufacturing experience while they study.
“Participants split their time—two days a week in the classroom at Wintec’s Rotokauri Campus and three days with some of the region’s leading manufacturers—while earning an NZ Certificate in Manufacturing Level Three,” Penk noted.
The pilot achieved completion rates above 80%, and eight out of ten participating employers indicated they would continue into the next year, with additional employers in talks to join.
Many graduates have already moved into jobs with the partner companies, according to Penk.
He pointed out that manufacturing faces ongoing skilled-worker shortages, and highlighted that Earn as You Learn helps secure the sector’s future. The industry contributes 8% of national GDP and underpins 60% of New Zealand’s export economy, all while offering young people opportunities in a rapidly evolving field.
Penk also thanked Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa, Hanga-Aro-Rau, Wintec, and the Waikato Engineering Careers Association, alongside the host businesses for their roles.
“This project demonstrates the strong outcomes that arise when industry, vocational educators, and government collaborate to build a pipeline of talented workers. Our next goal is to scale this proven model nationwide and ensure New Zealand has the skilled manufacturing workforce it needs for the future.”
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