Wintec helps manufacture the future

Wintec recently welcomed 20 high school leavers into its brand-new 'earn as you learn' NZ Certificate in Manufacturing Level 3 pilot programme. 

Over 30 weeks, students will split their time between paid, hands-on experience with top Waikato manufacturers and in-class learning at Wintec's Rotokauri Campus. 

Students will rotate through three different companies, spending 10 weeks with each. They will gain real-world skills while earning a wage. 

Students and stakeholders involved in Wintec's NZ Certificate in Manufacturing Level 3 pilot programme

Shelley Wilson, Executive Director - Teaching & Learning with Wintec, sees immense value in working with industry stakeholders to support vocational education and create career pathways for students. 

“Collaborating with different industries helps us ensure our ākonga [learners] are gaining the right skills for today’s workplaces. 

“By understanding what employers need, we can shape our training to give our graduates the best chance at success. 

“We’re excited to play a key role in this collaborative initiative, providing the formal education component of the course. It’s a great way to connect classroom learning with real-world experience and set our students up for the future," said Shelley. 

Shelley Wilson, Executive Director - Teaching & Learning with Wintec, speaks to students on the manufacturing programme.

Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa, which played a key role in launching the pilot, believes the ‘earn as you learn’ programme has come at a critical time, as New Zealand’s manufacturing sector grapples with a skills shortage.  

The industry body hopes the initiative will help address the lack of hands-on, practical training while ensuring students are work-ready by the time they complete their studies. 

Howard Fountaine, General Manager with APL Manufacturing, is keen to show the next generation of workers there are plenty of opportunities available in the manufacturing industry. 

“Our decision to get involved stems from a desire to grow a skilled talent pool in manufacturing. We want to raise the profile of the industry, showing young people that manufacturing is more than just factory labour. It offers diverse opportunities, from logistics specialists to CNC [computer numerical control] programmers, and this programme is key to unlocking those pathways,” said Howard. 

Howard Fountaine, General Manager with APL Manufacturing, addresses manufacturing students at Wintec's Rotokauri Campus.

Wintec views the collaborative initiative as a win-win for students and the industry, helping tackle skills shortages and build a stronger manufacturing workforce. 

Groups and leading Waikato manufacturers involved in the launch of the programme include Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa, Hango-Aro-Rau Workforce Development Council, Competenz, Waikato Engineering Careers Association, APL Manufacturing, Stainless Design Ltd, NZAero, Hansa Products, Longveld, ES Plastics, Stafford Engineering, and Gallagher Group. 

RSEA Safety NZ, a sponsor of the programme, provided all students with free work boots. 

To learn more about the programme, head to New Zealand Certificate in Manufacturing (Level 3)