6 August 2026
New Subjects Offer Young Kiwis Bright Future
Thousands of young New Zealanders will now have easier pathways into automotive and transport trades from school with the introduction of nine new trades-related senior secondary school subjects.
MTA's Chief Executive Lee Marshall says the announcement – and other commitments to young learners from across the House – is important recognition for the importance of trades to the country and young New Zealanders.
“At a time when many young people concerned for their future are considering or taking up opportunities overseas, and others worry about the impact of AI, this shows there are real pathways into essential trades for those who want to earn while they learn,” he says.
“With the growing dependence of modern vehicles on complex and interconnected technologies, the automotive and transport trades represent no less of a challenge than many academic courses.”
The automotive industry will be part of the Engineering Technology subject, under the Transport Industry Skills Board – of which MTA Director Grant Woolford is a member.
“MTA has long argued for automotive, transport and other trades to be given the recognition they deserve. Not only are they highly skilled jobs, but collectively they also keep the country moving,” Mr Marshall says.
“While ‘engineering technology’ isn’t as specific to the automotive industry as we would like, we appreciate the concept of allowing the system to be broad enough that learners can try different elements of the broad spectrum of engineering and technology-related industries and make their own conclusions on where they can best thrive.”
The Government has announced $15m in the Budget for creating the new qualifications, and Mr Marshall says he hopes Government investment doesn’t end there.
“The reality is that trades have been under-valued for a long time, and to really invest in attracting leaners, skilling and preparing them for the workforce needs ongoing commitment,” he says.
“We’re also calling for greater financial support for employers who take on young apprentices, so they’re rewarded and not penalised for investing in the future workforce.”
The next generation of apprentices entering the automotive and transport trades will have not only the opportunity to earn while they learn in any industry with a comparatively more secure future in an AI world, but they will also find easier pathways into business ownership, Mr Marshall adds.
