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Manukau East MP Ross Robertson says the local pilot for the Youth Apprentices Programme gives participating students a head start with an apprenticeship they can continue once they leave school.

"The young people taking part in this pilot will already be on the path to an apprenticeship and skilled employment by the time they leave school. They can also choose more academic tertiary training in the area," said Ross Robertson.

"I know from my meetings with local employers that they need skilled-up workers to help them innovate and grow, to create a higher-value, knowledge-based economy capable of competing in a globalised market," said Ross Robertson.

"The single most crucial difference we can make for lower-income Auckland families is to help them develop their work skills and knowledge. It puts them in demand from employers, gives them job choices now and in the future, and enables them to develop a stronger stake in their community.

"So it's great for students across the Eastern Suburbs that we have a government that is actively working to encourage and restore apprenticeships and specialised trades training."

The Youth Apprenticeships pilot builds on existing policies like the Gateway Programme, which offers secondary students hands-on work experience outside the classroom.

Howick College is one of ten across the country that will take part in the pilot programme from next year.

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