Earn as You Learn’ pilot to expand reach

A pilot that gives high school students manufacturing industry experience will expand to new regions.

Launched in Waikato in February, the ‘Earn as You Learn’ initiative gives students paid, real-world experience while they study. 

“We know that meaningful, well-paid employment is one of the most powerful ways to change a person’s life and open doors to future opportunities,” Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk says.

He says the programme helps to bridge the gap between classroom learning and hands-on skills and gives young Kiwis the chance to step into exciting careers in a rapidly evolving field. 

The programme has a learner completion rate of over 80%. Many graduates find jobs with the businesses that supported them throughout the programme. 

“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.”

Eight out of ten participating employers also agree to continue their programme involvement in 2026, and more organisations are slated to join the network.

“This has been a game-changer for attracting and developing talent in the manufacturing sector, and the programme will now expand into the Hutt Valley and Canterbury next year, followed by Auckland in 2027.

“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.

“Waikato is just the beginning for the Earn as You Learn programme. Our task now is to take this proven model nationwide and ensure New Zealand has the skilled manufacturing workforce it needs for the future.”

Penk says the manufacturing sector risks ongoing workforce shortages. Yet the sector contributes 8% of the national GDP and underpins 60% of the nation’s export economy. 

“It’s fantastic to see educators and industry leaders, supported by government, coming together to tackle practical challenges businesses are facing, and providing young Kiwis with the opportunity to forge a pathway into a rewarding career.”