Dr Michael Johnston: The game-changing approach trades training needs

For decades, New Zealand’s industry training system has been a poor cousin to the university system. In recent years, only about 6% of school leavers have undertaken apprenticeships. Nearly a third enrol in degree-level study at university.

On the face of it, the imbalance makes little sense. Skilled tradespeople earn excellent money. Their skills are perennially in demand. Yet industry training continues to suffer from low status relative to university education.