The Manufacturing industry in New Zealand has a strong future, but that future depends on having skilled people ready to design, build, operate and improve the products, processes and technologies that drive our economy.
That is why I am pleased to see the development of Next-Gen Manufacturing, one of nine new industry-led senior secondary school subjects approved by the Government as part of New Zealand's future qualification system changes. Supported by a $15 million Budget 2026 investment in industry-led subjects, this initiative will help strengthen the pipeline of talent into one of New Zealand's most important sectors.
The success of this initiative will depend on continued industry involvement to ensure young people gain exposure to the skills, technologies and opportunities that reflect modern manufacturing.
The case for action
Manufacturing contributes around 8% of New Zealand's GDP and employs more than 220,000 people across the country. From food and beverage production to advanced engineering, machinery, wood processing and materials manufacturing, the sector plays a vital role in exports, regional economies, productivity and supply-chain resilience.
However, leaders within the manufacturing industry have consistently highlighted workforce capability, stronger vocational pathways and greater awareness of manufacturing careers as key challenges. Too many students (and teachers for that matter) still have an outdated view of manufacturing or are unaware of the diverse and rewarding opportunities available. Next-Gen Manufacturing is an opportunity to change that.
Preparing students for modern manufacturing
Development of the secondary school subject is being led by the Manufacturing and Engineering Industry Skills Board (MAEISB), drawing directly on the expertise and insight of manufacturers, educators and subject matter experts. This industry-led approach will help ensure students gain relevant knowledge and a genuine understanding of how modern manufacturing operates.
The subject will expose students to areas including advanced manufacturing technologies, automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, product design, quality systems, sustainability and supply-chain management. Alongside technical knowledge, students will develop practical skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication, digital literacy and project management.
For manufacturers, the long-term benefit is a larger pipeline of young people arriving with greater awareness of manufacturing careers, stronger foundational skills and a better understanding of modern production environments.
Manufacturers across New Zealand are investing in automation, digital technologies and advanced production processes to improve productivity and remain competitive. Realising the full value of those investments depends on having people with the skills and confidence to work with these technologies. Next-Gen Manufacturing is an important step towards building that future workforce pipeline.
Importantly, this is not about creating a narrow vocational pathway. Industry-led subjects will have the same standing as traditional senior secondary subjects and can be studied alongside academic subjects. They are designed to expand opportunities, not limit them.
Students will be able to use Next-Gen Manufacturing as a stepping stone into apprenticeships, work-based learning, engineering and manufacturing trades, production and operations roles, logistics and supply-chain careers, or further study in engineering, manufacturing and applied technologies.
An opportunity for industry to shape the future
For manufacturers, this is also an opportunity to help shape how the next generation understands the sector. Today's manufacturing is defined by innovation, advanced technologies, sustainability, automation, data and world-class engineering. Industry involvement will be critical to ensuring the subject reflects the realities of modern manufacturing and inspires young people to see themselves as future makers, engineers, technicians, designers and innovators.
This initiative complements the broader work already underway to strengthen talent pipelines, including Earn as You Learn, the Manufacturing Passport, careers expos, industry tours and the Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa’s Future Makers campaign. Together, these efforts are helping more young people discover the opportunities available in manufacturing and creating clearer pathways from school into skilled employment.
Subject development is underway now, with a pilot expected in 2028 and national rollout beginning from 2029 for Year 12 students and 2030 for Year 13 students.
I encourage manufacturers to engage with the MAEISB as development progresses. This is a rare opportunity for industry to help shape education in a way that better reflects the skills, technologies and careers that will define New Zealand's manufacturing future.
By working together, we can build stronger pathways into manufacturing, attract more young people into the sector, and ensure New Zealand has the skilled workforce needed to support growth, productivity and innovation for decades to come.
By Hon Cameron Brewer, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing
