MAKE YOUR MARK IN
MANUFACTURING
Find where you fit.
Manufacturing isn't one career. It's hundreds.
Whether you love creating, solving problems, designing, building, leading or inventing — there's a pathway for you.
Manufacturing Matters
One industry.
Hundreds of pathways.
From engineering and design to sustainability, robotics, fabrication and leadership, manufacturing offers careers that grow with you.
How Do You Want To Get Started?
There isn't one path into manufacturing. Whether you want to start working straight from school, continue studying, or earn while you learn, there's a pathway for you.
Start Working
Get hands-on from day one.
Perfect if you're keen to leave the classroom and learn by doing.
- Gateway Programme while you're still at school
- Apprenticeship from day one
- Earn NZQA qualifications while you work
- Careers including welder, fitter, machinist, industrial electrician and electronic assembler
- Many manufacturing leaders started this way
Study & Innovate
Keep studying, then help shape the future of manufacturing.
Engineering or Industrial Design diploma or degree. Explore university and institute pathways into modern manufacturing.
- Complete Year 13
- Mechanical, Mechatronics or Materials Engineering
- Industrial Design
- Graduate entry or internship opportunities
- Progress into specialist and leadership roles
AMA Earn As You Learn
Work. Learn. Get paid.
- Complete Year 12 or Year 13
- 30-week paid work and study programme
- Build practical workplace skills
- Earn a New Zealand Certificate in Manufacturing Level 3 qualification
Where could your journey take you?
Every manufacturing career is different. Explore the seven Career Identities and discover where your strengths could take you.
What sounds most like you?
You notice what others miss.
Problem-Fixers & Process Improvers
You enjoy solving problems, improving systems and making things work better, faster and smarter.
Best if you enjoy…
You love making ideas real.
Product Creators & Advanced Makers
You enjoy creating, designing, building and bringing products to life through creativity, precision and practical thinking.
Best if you enjoy…
You want to make a difference.
Climate & Circularity Innovators
You're interested in sustainability, new materials and creating products that leave a lighter footprint on the planet.
Best if you enjoy…
Technology fascinates you.
Tech Builders & Automation
You enjoy programming, robotics, automation and building smarter systems that solve real problems.
Best if you enjoy…
You think beyond borders.
Export & Global Connectors
You enjoy connecting people, products and supply chains across New Zealand and the world.
Best if you enjoy…
People matter to you.
Safety & Resilience Builders
You enjoy creating environments where teams can work safely, confidently and at their best.
Best if you enjoy…
You naturally bring people together.
Teams & Future Leaders
You enjoy leading, coaching, communicating and helping others perform at their best.
Best if you enjoy…
Meet The Future Makers
13 makers found
"We're tapping into 32 million years of nature's R&D, turning seaweed into sustainable innovations"
Clare & Tane Bradley
Co-Founders
"Building life-saving innovations, Kiwi style"
Mallory Cotterill-Walker
Project Lead Designer & Engineer
"Our 'everything microphone' adapts from a roaring drone to a whisper on set"
Shaun Edlin
Founder
"Wiring up a bright future straight out of high school"
Ila Ford-Robertson
Industrial Electrician
"Designing tomorrow's mechanical edge"
Sebastian Lemberg
Mechanical Design Engineer
"Curiosity and grit open every door"
McKenna Lesley
Apprentice Fabricator
"Where robotics & 3D printing converge"
Jared
Mechanical Process Engineer
"If you're having a bad day, go touch something that's going to space"
Sir Peter Beck
Founder & CEO
"Leading with heart, building with purpose"
Mahuta Tekoha
Doors Manufacturing Lead
"From math whiz to hands-on precision engineering"
Zane Phipps
Machinist / Mechanical Fitter
"Engineering for sporting excellence"
Jonathan Qin
New Product Development Engineer
"We turn up to work every day to solve one of the world's biggest problems."
Ryan Davidson
Lead – Manufacturing Technology
"From a high school Gateway placement to a career in high-precision welding"
Luke Nicolas
Welder
Where could your journey take you?
Keep discovering the people, opportunities and ideas shaping the future of manufacturing in Aotearoa.
Watch Future Makers Stories
Hear directly from apprentices, engineers, innovators and leaders across New Zealand manufacturing.
Download the Career Guide
Take the Career Guide with you and continue exploring manufacturing whenever you're ready.
Explore More Stories
Discover more Future Maker stories, manufacturers and industry insights.
