Media release: Overhauling New Zealand’s apprenticeship system could engage youth and boost our economy
Wellington (Wednesday, 19 March 2025) - Nearly twice as many New Zealand school leavers fall into unemployment compared to those who undertake workplace-based learning, according to a new report released today by The New Zealand Initiative.
While 11% of 16-19-year-olds are not in employment, education or training, just 6% participate in workplace-based learning. Meanwhile, Germany has half of all school leavers entering their highly regarded ‘dual training’ apprenticeship system.
"Schools are primarily geared toward university-track education, even though only about one-third of school leavers enrol in degree programmes," said report author Michael Johnston.
The report titled Trade Routes: Charting New Pathways from Secondary School to Industry Training highlights how Trades Academies, Gateway programmes and other vocational education initiatives operate as fragmented "add-ons" rather than forming a coherent pathway equivalent to trades and industry training.
Key recommendations:
- Unify existing vocational programmes into a clear alternative pathway to university.
- Workforce Development Councils to be elected by industry bodies rather than appointed by ministers
- Expand the role of Workforce Development Councils to include advising on curriculum development for schools offering industry training pathways.
Dr Johnston will launch his report at an event tonight and will also discuss his report on a webinar with Josh Williams, Head of Consulting with Skills Group, on March 20 at 11:00am. You can register for that webinar here.
ENDS
Dr Michael Johnston is available for comment. To schedule an interview, please contact:
Jamuel Enriquez, Marketing and Communications Manager
E: jamuel.enriquez@nzinitiative.org.nz
P: 021 022 34451
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About The New Zealand Initiative
The New Zealand Initiative is an evidence-based think tank and research institute contributing to public policy discussion.
Supported by the nation’s leading visionaries, business leaders and political thinkers, we are committed to making New Zealand a better country for all its citizens with a world-class education system, affordable housing, a healthy environment, sound public finances and a stable currency.
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