The Education Minister wants higher pay rates for tradies who work as unqualified teachers - but she has to persuade the unions first.

The PPTA says schools are in need of more people to teach the trades, and outside educators should be fully qualified if they're to be paid the same as registered teachers.

Te Pūkenga CEO Gus Gilmore says it's important to attract the best people to educate young Kiwis interested in going into the trades and it's important to match market demand.

"These are very experienced people.. the skills that they have as trained professionals in their field should be rewarded accordingly." 

LISTEN ABOVE