Information Session

WHEN:

Saturday 13th September, 2025
11am – 12.30pm

 

WHERE:
APL Manufacturing
Profile Park
Victoria Road North
Cambridge

 

Come along to find out more about the programme, meet the employers involved and see behind the scenes of this state of the art manufacturing facility. RSVP here so we can update you with information about this event! All are welcome.

 

BACKGROUND to the launch of this pilot programme in Waikato

 

After three years of dedicated industry collaboration and planning, the Earn as You Learn NZ Certificate in Manufacturing Level 3 pilot programme officially launched February 2025 in the Waikato. This exciting new initiative is a game-changer for the manufacturing sector, addressing workforce shortages and enhancing the skill sets of students while providing real-world, paid employment opportunities.

 

The programme brought together Waikato’s top manufacturers and business leaders (APL Manufacturing, ES Plastics, Hansa Products, Gallagher, Longveld, NZAero, PPL Plastics, Stafford Engineering, Stainless Design, Supreme Sheetmetals), Wintec, Workforce Development Council Hanga Aro Rau, WECA and Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa to create an educational pathway that combines practical on-the-job learning with formal qualifications. The focus is to equip students with not only technical competencies but also essential soft skills, making them highly employable in an industry that’s critical to New Zealand's economy.

 

According to industry leaders, the benefits of this pilot are profound. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between theoretical education and real-world manufacturing, ensuring students are work-ready upon graduation. In addition, students gain exposure to a wide range of technical and operational aspects of the manufacturing sector, from CNC programming to logistics and advanced technologies.

 

“Too often, students are expected to work unpaid internships or placements, which makes it difficult for them to gain hands-on experience without financial hardship,” says Howard Fountaine, General Manager of APL Manufacturing. “The Earn as You Learn programme balances learning, working, and earning, making it a fair and sustainable way to gain industry experience while still studying.”

 

The programme not only aims to fill skills gaps within the manufacturing sector but also fosters a diverse and inclusive workforce. “We’re excited that the programme attracts a range of students, including those from underrepresented communities, creating opportunities for everyone,” says Justin Brien, Commercial Manager at Stainless Design.

 

For companies like NZAero, the programme is a step towards future-proofing their workforce. “We’re investing in the next generation of skilled workers. This programme enables us to bridge the gap between academic learning and hands-on expertise. The future of our sector depends on developing home-grown talent,” says Stephen Burrows, CEO of NZ Aero.

 

As New Zealand continues to navigate a shortage of skilled workers, the Earn as You Learn programme will play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. It’s a forward-thinking solution to ensure the manufacturing industry remains strong, competitive, and innovative in the coming years. With this programme now officially underway, the sector is one step closer to creating a robust, highly skilled, and sustainable workforce for the future.

 

Following the success of the Year 1 pilot, we are now expanding the programme into Canterbury, Hutt Valley and Auckland.  We are seeking manufacturing firms who are keen to support this programme.  

 

➡️ Auckland, Northland, Bay of Plenty - to find out more contact:  Catherine Lye CEO, AMA catherine@amanz.nz 

 

➡️ Hutt Valley - to find out more contact:  Patrick McKibbin CEO, Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce Patrick@hvchamber.org.nz 

 

➡️ Canterbury - to find out more contact:  Dieter Adam - Community Champion MAKENZ dieter@makenz.org