New Zealand Manufacturing Pilot Expands to Address Workforce Shortages
A pilot program in New Zealand, designed to connect high school students with manufacturers to bolster the future workforce, is set to expand into new regions. The 'Earn as You Learn' initiative, launched in Waikato in February, is a government-backed and industry-led effort that provides students with paid, real-world experience in manufacturing while they study. The program has achieved learner completion rates exceeding 80%, with many graduates securing jobs with participating businesses. Due to its success, the program will expand into the Hutt Valley and Canterbury next year, with plans to reach Auckland by 2027. The initiative aims to increase graduate numbers from 17 this year to between 100 and 150 by 2027, addressing the manufacturing sector's skilled worker shortages. 
