The AMA team recently attended the Careers and Transition Educators Association New Zealand (CATE) conference in what is known as windy Wellington. It was a well organised event, at a fantastic venue and engaged delegates.

This year’s theme, STEAM Towards the Future, highlighted the critical role of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics in shaping tomorrow’s workforce. As an exhibitor, AMA was proud to share our story and showcase the exciting opportunities within the manufacturing sector. 

The sub-theme, The Future is Multi-Disciplinary, resonates strongly with the manufacturing sector. Careers no longer fit into traditional boxes, and AMA is committed to changing perceptions and coming up with new ways to help bridge the skills gap in our industry. Manufacturing today is advanced, fast-paced, and full of innovation—and we want young people to see what that looks like.

We couldn’t have had a better location for our exhibitors stand conveniently located between the coffee, networking drinks servery and the lunch serving.  This positioned us well to share what AMA does to promote the invisible manufacturing sector.  Changing perceptions, supporting manufacturers, showcasing the wonderful career programmes we are involved in and sharing our career guide resource with delegates.

We had fantastic conversations with career educators about or free downloadable careers guide that outlines pathways into the sector. Imparting information on our Year 11 Manufacturing Passport programme being run in Hutt Valley and Bay of Plenty, soon to be rolled out in Auckland and Christchurch. Sharing the success of the unique industry led Earn as you Learn programme for year 12 and 13 students. Piloted in the Waikato, followed by Hutt Valley again, Auckland and Christchurch are gearing up to take on these highly engaged students that are ready for employment.

We also discussed challenges faced by educators, especially in regional areas—such as limited access to programmes and pathways to further training in disciplines like CNC machining or welding.

We want to thank Des Pitfield from DATUM machines, @David Grove from SEEN Safety and Ryan Davidson from OpenStar Technologies for joining us on the stand. You supporting us reinforces why we do what we do for the sector. We look forward to partnering with you more in the future.

Next year in Auckland will be an International event. 

📥 Download our Careers Guide at The Future Makers | Celebrating Kiwi Innovation in Manufacturing