New Zealand is taking a bold step towards addressing skill shortages in the manufacturing sector with the launch of a new pilot programme aimed at high school students.
Announced by Small Business and Manufacturing Hon Minister Chris Penk, the ‘earn as you learn’ pilot in Waikato, initiative is designed to provide hands-on experience and a qualification to students while they earn a paycheck.
The institute emphasizes the importance of retraining and upskilling the current workforce to meet the demands of advanced manufacturing.
Similarly, the National Association of Manufacturers estimates that by 2028, manufacturers will need to fill 4.6 million jobs, highlighting the urgency of attracting and retaining talent.
Minister Penk highlighted the significance of this programme, stating, “Manufacturing is a powerful economic player, contributing about 8.4 percent of New Zealand’s GDP and employing 10 percent of our workforce – but businesses are telling us skill shortages are curbing productivity. This programme aims to supercharge our economic growth and strengthen our competitive edge on the world stage.”
The programme, a collaboration between the government and Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa, offers students two days of classroom learning and three days of practical work each week. Students will leave with an NZ Certificate in Manufacturing Level 3, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in the industry.
Different countries have adopted various approaches to manufacturing workforce training, each tailored to their unique economic, cultural, and educational contexts. Here are some notable examples:
Germany: The Dual System
Germany’s dual system is renowned for its integration of apprenticeships with vocational schooling. Students split their time between classroom instruction and hands-on training at companies, ensuring they gain practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. This system has been highly successful in preparing students for the workforce, with high employment rates among graduates.
Singapore: SkillsFuture Initiative
Singapore’s SkillsFuture initiative focuses on lifelong learning and skills development. The government provides subsidies and grants to encourage individuals to pursue continuous education and training throughout their careers. This initiative aims to equip the workforce with the skills needed to adapt to rapidly changing industries.
United States: Workforce Development Programs
In the United States, workforce development programs often involve partnerships between educational institutions, government agencies, and industry stakeholders. These programs focus on upskilling and reskilling workers to meet the demands of advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies. Training often includes compliance with safety standards, technology adoption, and regulatory requirements.
Japan: Monozukuri Training
Japan emphasizes the concept of “Monozukuri,” which translates to “making things” and represents a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and manufacturing excellence. Training programs in Japan focus on instilling a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and continuous improvement in manufacturing processes.
South Korea: Meister Schools
South Korea has established “Meister Schools” to provide specialized vocational education and training. These schools offer intensive, industry-specific programs that prepare students for high-demand jobs in manufacturing and other sectors. The curriculum is developed in collaboration with industry partners to ensure relevance and employability.
Canada: Sector-Specific Training
Canada’s approach to manufacturing workforce training often involves sector-specific programs tailored to the needs of different industries. These programs may include apprenticeships, certifications, and continuous professional development opportunities to address skills gaps and promote innovation.
Each of these approaches highlights the importance of aligning workforce training with industry needs and fostering a culture of lifelong learning. By learning from these international models, countries can enhance their own vocational education and training systems to create a skilled, adaptable, and competitive workforce.
Source Of Information
Beehive | Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute (GTMI). (n.d.). Workforce Development | National Association of Manufacturers. (2018). 2018 Skills Gap Study.