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A Real Pathway to a Trade
Too many young New Zealanders are pushed towards university without being given a proper chance to try a trade. For a bright, ambitious young person, an apprenticeship can mean earning while they learn and building skills that could one day lead to running a business of their own.
ACT will end the university-first mindset and put trades on an equal footing. We’ll build a proper national pathway so choosing a trade is just as straightforward and respected as choosing university.
ACT will:
Remove funding caps on approved trades subjects at school, with funding following students and schools keeping their base and equity funding when students learn off-site.
Create Industry Awards alongside University Entrance, showing employers that students have completed relevant learning and are ready for their next step.
Give employers a stronger voice in what students learn, with Industry Skills Boards developing new subjects as technology and workforce needs change.
In our team’s words:
ACT List Candidate Paul Henry says:
"Trades are not a second-best option. For a bright, ambitious young person, becoming an electrician, builder, or mechanic can be the most intelligent decision they ever make. They can earn while they learn, build valuable skills, avoid taking on a large student loan, and potentially go on to run their own business and employ others.
“ACT will end the university-first mindset and put trades on an equal footing."