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.  

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