-David O’Connor, Head of Emerging Markets, The Learning Wave

As we bid farewell to the challenging winds of 2024 and step into a fresh new year, there’s a sense of optimism and energy for what lies ahead for Kiwi manufacturing businesses.

The opportunity to drive growth while scaling operations presents an exciting challenge – one that calls for agility, adaptability, and steadfast commitment to a skills-first approach in talent development.

With over 230,000 workers, New Zealand’s manufacturing sector is a cornerstone of the national workforce. This scale brings a unique opportunity to lead the way in creating long-term skills pathways and building a highly capable workforce. As we look at 2025, focusing on two key priorities will be pivotal:

1. Cultivating highly capable leaders that can lead safe, productive and thriving workplaces  – evidence shows that this has never been more critical or urgent.
2. Creating a  highly functioning and well funded pathway from school to work that ensures our young people can see their future and career pathway in the sector.
3. By equipping today’s leaders and tomorrow’s workers with the transferable skills to lead the sector into the future, we believe that this is key to  transforming the new green shoots of potential into lasting prosperity for NZ Inc.

As we step into 2025, the sector has a prime opportunity to elevate itself to become world class, driven by a blend of advanced technology and empowered and skilled people.

Success lies not in smart technology alone but in harnessing three key pillars: workforce development, innovation, and collaboration.

A Future-Ready Workforce

To fully harness the benefits of advanced technologies, manufacturers must invest in a skilled, adaptable workforce. With over half of New Zealand’s workforce lacking basic digital confidence, bridging the skills gap is critical.

Businesses and training providers should co-design accessible, dynamic learning programs to evolve with industry needs. Prioritising digital literacy and continuous learning will enhance safety, improve retention, and position New Zealand manufacturing as globally competitive.

Closing the Talent and Technology Gap

“Technology integration demands more than cutting-edge tools, it requires skilled hands and confident minds.”

While integrating technology, businesses must ensure their people are prepared for digital workflows. With 55% of New Zealand’s workforce lacking basic digital confidence, strong partnerships between technology suppliers and training providers are essential to ensure timely and targeted training that builds work-ready digital skills.

In a year that has seen much dialogue on what a future Vocational Education system might be – we end the year with no clarity about what a VET system might or might not be in the future.

Therefore, businesses must not sit and wait, by addressing the digital skills gap proactively, manufacturers can empower their teams to thrive in a tech driven environment, rather than leaving success to chance.

Collaboration as a Catalyst

The sector holds a unique advantage: the power of collaboration. By pooling resources, sharing insights, and fostering cross-industry partnerships, manufacturers of all sizes can accelerate growth.

Technology providers and training partners play a pivotal role in aligning skills, processes, and innovation to create maximum impact. Imagine a ripple effect that uplifts the entire sector where everyone has a highly skilled, engaged and capable workforce that is leading innovation, driving productivity, and shaping a prosperous future. Now that is exciting!

From the team at The Learning Wave, we wish you a safe and restful summer break with your whanau. As we step into 2025, we’re excited to continue supporting the sector’s capability uplift in the new year.

Let’s make 2025 the year we build the future we envision—starting today.