Last week, Waikato manufacturers HANSA Products, Longveld, and APL Window Solutions opened their doors to host the Earn As You Learn (EAYL) Manufacturing Study Tour, welcoming industry leaders, educators, and employers from across the Bay of Plenty and Auckland.
Now in its second year after a successful pilot, EAYL — the NZ Certificate in Manufacturing Level 3 programme — combines hands-on industry experience with formal training and qualifications. The result is a practical, proven pathway into manufacturing careers, and a way for manufacturers to build the skilled workforce they need for the future.
The day gave attendees a first-hand look at how the programme works in practice, with employers and learners sharing the impact EAYL is having on careers, businesses, and the wider sector.
A proven blueprint, ready to grow
Catherine Lye, CEO of Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa, said the tour highlighted what's possible when regions work together:
"Fantastic to see the strength of collaboration across regions to help future-proof New Zealand manufacturing. The innovative Earn As You Learn NZ Certificate in Manufacturing L3 programme is proving what can be achieved when manufacturers, educators and industry partners work together to create clear, practical career pathways for young people. The success of the Waikato EAYL model provides a proven blueprint that other regions can adapt and build upon. It's encouraging to see manufacturers from Auckland and the Bay of Plenty exploring how these approaches can be replicated to inspire more young people into rewarding manufacturing careers."
A day of sharing, learning and collaborating
APL Window Solutions, one of the tour's co-hosts, reflected on the value of bringing partners together:
"Proud to have been part of the Earn As You Learn (EAYL) Manufacturing Study Tour and pleased to help host a day that showcased the positive impact EAYL is having across Waikato. It's encouraging to see it continuing to create meaningful pathways into industry, while helping build the skilled workforce our sector needs for the future. Thanks to everyone involved in making the tour such a valuable opportunity to share, learn and collaborate."
Momentum building for regional expansion
Martin Vogel, Managing Director of HANSA Products, echoed the sense of momentum building behind the programme:
"Proud to see the continued success of the Earn As You Learn (EAYL) programme. Now in its second year following a successful pilot, it's creating real pathways into manufacturing careers while helping employers build the skilled workforce they need for the future. Great to host industry leaders from across the Bay of Plenty and Auckland and share how collaboration between education and industry can deliver meaningful outcomes for learners, businesses, and our sector as a whole. Excited to see the momentum building and the potential for EAYL to expand into more regions around New Zealand."
Thank you to everyone involved
A big thank you to Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Priority One Western Bay of Plenty, and Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa, along with everyone who attended and contributed to the day — including Trimax Mowing Systems, Shot Darts, Bluelab, Oasis Engineering, Bakels Edible Oils (NZ) Ltd, and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare. The enthusiasm and collaboration on display reinforced just how much value industry-led training brings to workforce development.
As EAYL enters its second year, the appetite for expansion into new regions is clear. The Waikato model has laid a strong foundation — and with growing interest from Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Christchurch, the future of manufacturing careers in New Zealand is looking bright.
