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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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 &amp; 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."&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Dave Strong: Morrinsville Plumbing & Gas Services managing director on the calls to promote apprenticeships to young Kiwis

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/d4f53d25-1905-4410-a3ac-b2a5006bef3f/transcript