Articles tagged with Wintec

Earn as You Learn Expands to Train Young Kiwis for Manufacturing Careers

3 weeks ago | 233 views

The Earn as You Learn programme, which combines paid workplace learning with formal training and industry mentoring, is expanding into the Hutt Valley, Bay of Plenty, Christchurch, and Auckland to address the manufacturing sector's skilled workforce shortage. Developed by manufacturers and supported by Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa, the programme has proven successful in the Waikato pilot, with most participants securing full-time jobs after completing their training. The government is committed to expanding vocational pathways alongside this initiative, aiming to grow the skilled manufacturing workforce essential for New Zealand's economic recovery and future innovation.

Tags: Cameron Brewer Catherine Lye Earn as You Learn Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa Wintec New Zealand Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Waikato Youth Guarantee Trades Academy

New Era for NZ Vocational Education: Regional Polytechnics and Industry Skills Boards Launch

7 months ago | 1123 views

New Zealand has launched a reformed vocational education system with ten regionally governed polytechnics regaining control over local training decisions and eight new Industry Skills Boards overseeing work-based learning across key sectors. This shift aims to create a more responsive, agile, and accountable system aligned with community needs and industry demands, replacing the previous centralized model. The changes focus on delivering practical skills and qualifications that meet real employment opportunities, marking a significant new beginning for learners, employers, and regional development.

Tags: Penny Simmonds Ara EIT NMIT SIT Toi Ohomai Wintec Unitec MIT Otago Polytechnic

Earn as You Learn: Expanding Paid Manufacturing Apprenticeships Across NZ

8 months ago | 883 views

The Earn as You Learn pilot, launched in Waikato in February 2025, connects high school students with manufacturers to provide paid, real-world experience while earning a manufacturing certificate, achieving over 80% learner completion and strong employer support. Due to its success, the program will expand to the Hutt Valley and Canterbury in 2026, and Auckland in 2027, aiming to increase graduates from 17 to 100-150 annually. This initiative addresses skilled labor shortages in manufacturing, a key sector for New Zealand’s economy, by fostering collaboration between industry, educators, and government to build a future workforce.

Tags: Chris Penk Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa Wintec Waikato Engineering Careers Association Earn as You Learn New Zealand Waikato Hutt Valley Canterbury