There's belief better pathways to industry and trades training are needed.

A report from the New Zealand Initiative has found just six percent of 16-to-19 year-olds participate in workplace learning, while 11 percent are unemployed.

It states schools are geared toward university education, even though only about a third enrol in degrees.

Morrinsville Plumbing & Gas Services managing director Dave Strong says the sector is still struggling with a perception problem.

"We don't seem to be recognised as a career...we're actually qualified professionals now, but no-one seems to want to recognise it as an alternative." 

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