Labour would award $2000 to the top students taking high school vocational courses, in a bid to encourage more people to take up a career in the trades.
Labour Party leader Jacinda Ardern, right, speaking to apprentice Megan Youth-Cathcart, 18, at a Pukekohe building site. Photo: RNZ / Jane Patterson
"We know there's huge demand for trades workers, particularly in the building sector, where construction is now going into reverse due, in part, to a lack of workers," Labour leader Jacinda Ardern says.
"We need to do more to encourage pupils who have shown talent in vocational education to keep training and pursue a career, and to lift the profile and importance of the trades in New Zealand."
The $2000 Prime Minister's Vocational Excellence Award would be awarded to 500 pupils a year.
"I also want to see more schools offering vocational courses, and working with pupils who show a preference for these topics over traditional core subjects," Ms Ardern said.
The party aimed to encourage students to take up careers in the trades. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson