Twenty one students have started the Earn as You Learn NZ Certificate in Manufacturing Level 3 pilot programme—an innovative 30-week initiative designed to connect education with real-world industry experience.

A collaboration between Waikato’s leading manufacturers, Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa, WINTEC, Waikato Engineering Careers Association (WECA) and Hanga-Aro-Rau, this programme addresses the skills shortage in New Zealand’s manufacturing sector.

Students will spend two days in the classroom at WINTEC’s Rotokauri Campus and three days in paid, hands-on learning at some of the country’s top manufacturing companies. Over 30 weeks, they’ll rotate through three businesses, gaining diverse, practical experience.

Building a skilled workforce

With support from Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa, WINTEC, Competenz, WECA, and Hanga-Aro-Rau, this initiative ensures students earn while they learn, making education more accessible.

Everyone played their part in getting the initiative off the ground, with Hanga-Aro-Rau acting as a conduit between industry and the education system, said Chantelle Daniels, Hanga-Aro-Rau Project Manager. “We advocated for industry and connected it to the education system, making sure the resulting NZ Certificate in Manufacturing Level 3 meets the needs of both industry and students,” she added.

Industry Manager Lyndall Clarke explained how Hanga-Aro-Rau worked with Wintec and Competenz to create the programme: “Hanga-Aro-Rau supported the application to create the programme, and this is the first time that all groups have collaborated in this way to make this happen – seamlessly bringing together the best of campus-based and work-based training.

Industry leaders back the initiative

Howard Fountaine, General Manager at APL Manufacturing, highlighted the programme’s potential impact: “We want to show young people that manufacturing offers diverse career opportunities beyond factory labour,” he said.

Justin Brien, Commercial Manager at Stainless Design, emphasised the benefits for employers: “Students gain real-world exposure, developing problem-solving and teamwork skills that businesses need.”

Participating companies include APL Manufacturing, Stainless Design, NZAero, ES Plastics, Gallagher Group, Hansa Products, Longveld, Stafford Engineering, Action Manufacturing, Loadscan, and Supreme Stainless—all committed to developing a skilled, adaptable workforce.

Stephen Burrows, CEO of NZ Aero, summed up its significance: “This programme isn’t just about training—it’s about future-proofing New Zealand’s manufacturing industry,” he explained.

By blending education with paid work experience, Earn as You Learn creates a pipeline of skilled workers, ensuring New Zealand’s manufacturing sector remains competitive and innovative. It’s a win for everyone.