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Every parent wants to know that when their child leaves school, they have the knowledge and skills to succeed.
From 2029, students in Years 12 and 13 will be able to study nine new industry-developed subjects spanning engineering, primary industries, construction, health, tourism, energy, hospitality, manufacturing, and applied intelligent systems.
These subjects will give students the chance to gain skills employers need while completing their secondary school qualifications. They will open doors to university, apprenticeships, further training, or employment.
By expanding offerings, National is ensuring students can succeed on the path that’s right for them. We know students are more engaged when they can see real purpose in what they’re learning and how it connects to their future. That’s true for young people across New Zealand, no matter what their aspirations are.
Industry has embraced the opportunity to work with the education sector to prepare young people for the future. It’s a win for employers who need skilled workers, and a win for students who can see how their learning leads to rewarding careers.
New Zealand will need more skilled people to deliver the services and infrastructure our country relies on every day. These subjects will help prepare students for careers in industries that are central to economic growth and productivity.
As part of Budget 2026, National also doubled trades academy places to 20,000, giving more young New Zealanders the chance to gain practical, job-ready skills while still at school.
This builds on our significant work in education, including funding 1,400 new classrooms, mandating an hour of reading, writing and math’s every day, banning cell phones in schools, and designing a new qualification to replace NCEA.
It’s all part of our plan to put ambition and achievement back at the heart of education, so Kiwi kids are set up for success. National is fixing the basics and building the future.
