Larry Williams Drive

There's belief better pathways to industry and trades training are needed. A report from the New Zealand Initiative has found just six percent of 16-to-19 year-olds participate in workplace learning, while 11 percent are unemployed. It states schools are geared toward university education, even though only about a third enrol in degrees. Morrinsville Plumbing & Gas Services managing director Dave Strong says the sector is still struggling with a perception problem. "We don't seem to be recognised as a career...we're actually qualified professionals now, but no-one seems to want to recognise it as an alternative."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.