In addition to the Cross-Sector Action Plan which identifies the common pain points and actions identified across the nine sectors, there are a number of significant challenges to attracting and retaining talent in the engineering, these include:

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1. Confusing Pathways: Learners often face confusion due to the multitude of available pathways leading to similar roles within the Engineering sector. 
2. Perception of trade vs. university qualifications: Many potential Engineering professionals are deterred from entering the trades due to the perceived lack of equivalency between trade qualifications and university qualifications. 
3. Need for better links to education initiatives: Better links need to be provided between NCEA Level 1-3 courses and school-based programmes such as Youth Guarantee, Gateway, and Trades Academie

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What action is Hanga-Aro-Rau taking?

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In addition to the actions outlined in our Cross-Sector Action Plan, specific actions aligned with the engineering sector to support a strong workforce pipeline are;

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Engaging with schools and businesses: Hanga-Aro-Rau's Vocational Pathways team is exploring new initiatives to support employer connections with schools. By creating stronger links between educational institutions and industry stakeholders, we aim to provide students with a clearer understanding of the pathways available within the engineering sector and facilitate smoother transitions from education to employment. See the Cross-Sector Action Plan for further detail.

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In addition to the Cross Sector Action Plan which identifies the common pain points and actions identified across the nine sectors, there are a number of significant challenges to qualifications and recognition in the engineering sector, these include:

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1. Lack of Leadership Training: Currently, there is a gap in training specifically tailored for leadership in engineering. Employers recognise the need to develop leadership and management capabilities within their workforce but lack qualifications or structured training programmes to support this.  

2. Skills Gaps among School Leavers and Apprentices: School leavers and new apprentices often enter the engineering sector with a lack of foundational knowledge, requiring employers to teach them basic skills.  

3. Insufficient Industry Involvement in Training Development: There is a need for greater industry involvement in programme development and ongoing moderation across the engineering sector. The current disconnect between industry and vocational education results in a lack of alignment between course material and industry needs.  

4. Theoretical Emphasis with Limited Practical Training: Existing learning models within the engineering sector often prioritise theoretical knowledge over practical, hands-on training.  

5. Need for Better Links to Education Initiatives: Better links need to be provided between NCEA Level 1-3 courses and school-based programmes such as Youth Guarantee, Gateway, and Trades Academies.  

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What action is Hanga-Aro-Rau taking?

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In addition to the actions outlined in our Cross-Sector Action Plan, specific actions aligned with the engineering sector to support a strong qualification and recognition challenges are:

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Development of Engineering-Focused Management Qualifications: Discussions are underway between Hanga-Aro-Rau, Muka Tangata and Ringa Hora WDCs to develop more engineering-focused management qualifications based on business management in engineering. This initiative aims to provide professionals in the engineering sector with the necessary leadership and management skills to effectively lead teams and drive organisational success.

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Supporting the development of trade essentials qualification: Hanga-Aro-Rau has supported the development of the Trade Essentials qualification, which is currently being finalised with NZQA. This qualification focuses on fundamental skills necessary for professionals entering the engineering sector and can be delivered on a regional basis. It is targeted at underrepresented groups such as women, Māori, and Pacific professionals, aiming to increase diversity and inclusivity within the industry.

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Proposal for super operator pathway: Hanga-Aro-Rau has proposed the development of a Super Operator Pathway for individuals transitioning into the engineering sector from manufacturing-based roles. This pathway would recognise and leverage the skills and experience of individuals from related industries, facilitating their entry into engineering roles.

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Qualification Reviews: Hanga-Aro-Rau is undertaking a number of qualification reviews for the engineering sector. You can find more information around these and how to get involved here. And follow these links to find out more about interim rulings, or quals reviews coming up from Hanga-Aro-Rau.