Catherine Lye: Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa on the new work experience programme for students

Waikato high schoolers can earn a qualification and a paycheque with a pilot programme supporting manufacturing.  The Government's teamed up with Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa to give students three days work a week with a local business.  Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk says the industry contributes about 8.4% of our GDP, but skill shortages are slowing productivity.  Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa CEO Catherine Lye told Andrew Dickens the idea of the programme began a couple of years ago between Waikato manufacturers to address their biggest challenge: the attraction and development of the workforce.   She says the students will gain experience and exposure to three different manufacturing businesses over the 30 week programme.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.