Ara and industry partners unite to grow Canterbury's manufacturing workforce

_{Interested learners will be able to get behind the scenes at HamiltonJet at the upcoming Earn As You Learn Manufacturing Open Day (Photo supplied)} 

School leavers in Canterbury will soon have the opportunity to earn a wage, gain a nationally recognised qualification and build experience across multiple leading manufacturing businesses through a new industry-led training programme.

Ara Institute of Canterbury has partnered with Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa (AMA), ChristchurchNZ and six leading Canterbury manufacturers to launch the New Zealand Certificate in Manufacturing (Level 3) through the AMA’s Earn as You Learn model.

HamiltonJet, Argus Manutech, ENI Manufacturing, Enztec, Taurus Engineering and Taylors Manufacturing will host learners as part of the programme's innovative three-rotation structure, with students gaining experience across different manufacturing environments while completing their qualification. The inaugural South Island cohort will have places for up to 20 learners.

Year 12 and 13 students, parents, whānau and schools can learn more about the programme at a Manufacturing Open Day hosted by HamiltonJet on Saturday 17 October. Visitors will be able to meet participating employers, explore a working manufacturing environment and find out more about career pathways in the sector.

Ara Institute of Canterbury Chief Executive Darren Mitchell said the programme combines workplace experience with structured learning designed around industry needs.

"Great vocational education connects learning directly to real jobs. By working alongside leading manufacturers while completing their qualification, learners can build practical skills, deepen their understanding of modern manufacturing and gain a strong foundation for long-term careers,” Mitchell said.

"Learners will benefit from the combined strengths of industry and education. Employers bring real-world experience and insight, while Ara provides the structured learning, support and academic rigour that turns that experience into a meaningful qualification."

HamiltonJet Chief Operating Officer and Canterbury Regional Business Lead for Earn as You Learn Rob McKenzie-Carroll said the programme addresses a challenge no single employer can solve alone.

"Manufacturers across Canterbury are all competing for the same small pool of skilled people, and none of us can fix that on our own. Earn as You Learn lets us build that pipeline together and gives young people exposure to world-class engineering, advanced technology and highly skilled teams.

"A lot of people still picture manufacturing as it was 30 years ago. When they see what it looks like today, the conversation about a career in it changes completely."
ChristchurchNZ General Manager Innovation and Business Growth Martin Cudd said the programme would help strengthen the talent pipeline supporting some of the region's fastest-growing industries.

"Manufacturers are the not-so-secret sauce that enable Ōtautahi Christchurch's growth sectors. The city is fortunate to have a deep bench of advanced manufacturers and growing the pipeline of talent through this programme is a win for both students and employers.

"The city's future prosperity will be driven by growth sectors such as aerospace, cleantech, healthtech and the bioeconomy, and those all depend on skilled people working in advanced manufacturing."

Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa Chief Executive Catherine Lye said the programme builds on the success of a pilot in Waikato and offers a unique model for Canterbury learners.

"The Waikato pilot showed that when manufacturers work together, learners gain a broader understanding of the sector and businesses can collectively develop the talent they need. We're excited to bring that proven model to Canterbury and create new opportunities for young people to explore a manufacturing career," she said.

The programme provides a new pathway for Year 12 and 13 school leavers who want to move directly into a practical career while gaining both a qualification and paid workplace experience.

Earn as You Learn – Canterbury Open Day

Year 12 and 13 students, parents, whānau and schools are invited to attend the Earn as You Learn Manufacturing Open Day hosted by HamiltonJet on Saturday 17 October.

For more information and to register, visit: Earn As You Learn: Manufacturing Open Day Canterbury