Reports & Media

This webinar discusses policy initiatives to strengthen vocational education pathways in New Zealand. Drawing inspiration from Germany's successful dual-training model, Josh Williams and Dr Michael Johnston discuss initiatives in secondary and tertiary education to enhance the status and quality of trades and industry training. Read more

In this episode, Eric talks to Patrick Phelps, Manager at Minerals West Coast, about the complex challenges of rural council governance including infrastructure costs, heritage regulations, and voter apathy. They discuss how small towns struggle with funding vital services across widely dispersed communities while managing political incentives that often lead to misplaced priorities and wasteful spending. Read more

On RNZ's morning report, Ingrid Hipkiss talks to Dr Michael Johnston about his latest report Trade Routes: Charting New Pathways from Secondary School to Industry Training. Listen below. Read more

On Newstalk ZB, John MacDonald discusses Dr Michael Johnston's call to overhaul New Zealand's apprenticeship system, highlighting the need for schools to offer trades preparation qualifications and remove the stigma that apprenticeships are second-rate to university degrees. MacDonald supports Dr Johnston's suggestion for better connections between schools, trades, and training organisations, noting how Germany successfully directs half of its school leavers into apprenticeships. Read more

Wellington (Wednesday, 19 March 2025) - Nearly twice as many New Zealand school leavers fall into unemployment compared to those who undertake workplace-based learning, according to a new report released today by The New Zealand Initiative. While 11% of 16-19-year-olds are not in employment, education or training, just 6% participate in workplace-based learning. Read more

On Newstalk ZB, Nick Mills discusses Dr. Michael Johnston's report for the New Zealand Initiative which found that only 6% of 16-19 year olds participate in workplace training. The report advocates for a "trades entrance qualification" for high school students heading towards apprenticeships rather than university, noting the average age for starting an apprenticeship is surprisingly high at 28 years old. Read more

On Newstalk ZB, Dr Michael's report was featured on its news segment. Dr Johnston's report reveals that only 6% of 16 to 19 year olds participate in workplace-based learning despite efforts by some committed teachers to encourage apprenticeships. Read more

On his show on Newstalk ZB, Mike Hosking talks to Dr Michael Johnston about his latest education report findings. The interview explores the report's key conclusions and implications for New Zealand's education system. Read more

In this episode, Oliver Hartwich interviews Michael about his new research report "Trade Routes," which examines how New Zealand can improve its apprenticeship system by adopting elements of Germany's dual education model. They discuss the stark contrast between Germany's highly respected apprenticeship system (with 50% participation) and New Zealand's underdeveloped approach (with just 6% participation), along with Michael's practical recommendations for creating clearer pathways from secondary school to industry training. Read more