11/06/2026
Hyland Foulagi-Koroi had no idea marine engineering was even a career option. Now he's a Fabrication apprentice at Titan Marine Engineering, being interviewed on 1News. 👏
His story is exactly why Budget 2026 matters.
The Government has committed $69 million to nearly double Trades Academy places to 20,000 by 2030, and $15 million for new industry-led secondary school subjects. That's a real investment in making sure more young people find their way into careers they didn't know existed.
Compentenz GM Learning, Design and Innovation, Pip Walsh joined 1News alongside Technical Quality Manager Danny Newland and Apprentice, Hyland - to talk about what this means. Danny puts it plainly: 99% of all goods arriving in New Zealand come by sea. Ships need maintaining, systems keep advancing, and the people to do that work need to be coming through now. Titan currently supports 21 apprentices. That's not a token gesture — that's a business betting on the next generation.
As Pip said: "When young people can clearly see the connection between what they learn at school and where it can take them, it opens doors."
For too long, too many students have left school without knowing trades like marine engineering exist as a pathway. This Budget is a step toward closing that gap.
If you're an employer thinking about apprenticeships, or a young person wondering what's out there, we'd love to help. Visit competenz.org.nz or talk to your Competenz Training Advisor today.
See full article below.
https://www.competenz.org.nz/news/stronger-pathways-stronger-workforce---what-budget-2026-means-for-industry-and-learners?utm_source=Competenz+all+staff&utm_campaign=9836f7d867-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_06_08_11_26&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-9836f7d867-1411698551
