Nineteen high school leavers embark on a transformative educational journey as they commence the highly anticipated Earn as You Learn NZ Certificate in Manufacturing Level 3 pilot programme in Hamilton yesterday. This innovative 30-week industry-led initiative is a fantastic collaboration between Waikato’s leading manufacturers (Action Manufacturing, APL Manufacturing, ES Plastics, Hansa Products, Gallagher Group, Loadscan, Longveld, NZ Aero, PPL Plastic Solutions, Stafford Engineering, Stainless Design, & Supreme Sheetmetals), Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa, Wintec, Hanga Aro Rau & WECA.   

 

It aims to bridge the gap between formal education and practical manufacturing experience while meeting the evolving workforce needs in the sector.  The pilot programme will see Learners split their week between two days of classroom learning at WINTEC’s Rotokauri Campus, Hamilton, and three days of on-the-job, paid learning with some of the country’s most prominent manufacturers.

 

 

Learners will rotate between three different manufacturing businesses, spending ten weeks with each, ensuring they gain a diverse and well-rounded experience in the industry.   "Our decision to get involved stems from a desire to grow a skilled talent pool in manufacturing. We want to raise the profile of the industry, showing young people that manufacturing is more than just factory labour. It offers diverse opportunities, from logistics specialists to CNC programmers, and this programme is key to unlocking those pathways." - Howard Fountaine, GM APL Manufacturing.

 

The Earn as You Learn programme comes at a critical time as New Zealand’s manufacturing sector grapples with a skills shortage. The initiative helps address the lack of hands-on, practical training while ensuring students are work-ready by the time they complete their studies.   "This programme offers students real-world exposure, developing essential skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability that employers are seeking in the manufacturing sector," said Justin Brien, Commercial Manager at Stainless Design. "Our company sees immense value in giving students the opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom in a real manufacturing environment."

 

Stephen Burrows, CEO of NZ Aero, shared, "By participating in this programme, we are not only investing in the future of our business but in the future of the manufacturing industry. We need a workforce that is not just skilled but adaptable and capable of navigating the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry. The Earn as You Learn programme is a critical step in building that workforce."

 

Other media coverage:

New programme to grow manufacturing workforce | Beehive.govt.nz

NewstalkZB live | Programme launched to get students involved in manufacturing

Pacific Media Network | Earn as you learn: Pilot programme aims to address labour shortages

Gallagher Group blog | Helping young people Earn as you Learn