The manufacturing sector is taking bold steps to tackle its skills shortage with the launch of the Earn as You Learn programme – and the results speak for themselves. This innovative model, piloted in Waikato, blends paid workplace rotations with classroom learning, giving learners real-world experience while earning a qualification.

Minister for Manufacturing Hon Chris Penk presented certificates to the first cohort of students Thursday 10th December.  Earn as You Learn is delivering exactly what industry needs – skilled, motivated talent ready to hit the ground running.  The commitment for students is a 30 week programme, participants spend three days on-site with leading manufacturers and two days studying at WINTEC. The approach has delivered one of the highest completion and employment rates seen in the sector, with nine of the first 17 graduates already in full-time roles and others moving into leadership pathways.

Employers call it “speed dating for recruitment.” Instead of relying on short interviews, businesses get 10 weeks of hands-on engagement with each learner, dramatically reducing hiring risk and improving fit. The calibre of graduates has impressed industry leaders, with some stepping straight into trainee leading hand roles.

The programme is more than a skills pipeline – it’s changing perceptions. Young people and their families are seeing modern manufacturing for what it is: high-tech, innovative, and full of opportunity. Exposure to advanced workplaces like APL Manufacturing, Stainless Design, Hansa Products, ES Plastics, Gallagher Group, Stafford Engineering, Longveld and NZAero is helping break down outdated stereotypes and opening doors to engineering, leadership, and technical careers.

With a projected shortfall of 157,000 workers over the next five years, initiatives like Earn as You Learn are critical. Following Waikato’s success, the programme is expanding nationally, with Lower Hutt next year and Canterbury in 2027. Graduate numbers are expected to grow from 17 in year one to up to 150 by 2027.