BusinessNZ is pleased to see the Labour Party’s youth skills and employment policy focusing on the crucial need to ensure that all young people under 20 years of age are learning or earning.

BusinessNZ, Chief Executive, Phil O’Reilly said training more apprentices is something many businesses will welcome.

“Both parties need to ensure that available training opportunities form a coherent vocational education system with clear pathways to work.

“We must also focus on driving performance with strong accountability mechanisms so more of our young people are better prepared for employment.

“We have to do a better job of connecting learning at all levels with the benefits it delivers young people in the labour market.

“We know that the employment prospects for young people with no or low skills and/or experience are very sensitive to wage levels, so we need to ensure that taking on apprentices and employing young people is an attractive proposition for employers.

“Labour’s policies recognise the importance of training, but it’s also important that the vocational system recognises employers’ needs as well.”

BusinessNZ welcomes what appears to be a cross party consensus around initiatives like Gateway, Trade Academies, vocational pathways in schools, strengthened careers education, and support for the Recognised Seasonal Employers scheme.