WELLINGTON, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand on Thursday launched a new range of industry-led secondary school subjects aimed at better preparing students for future jobs and addressing workforce needs in key sectors.
Education Minister Erica Stanford announced that the nine new subjects cover next-gen manufacturing, applied intelligent systems, construction and built environment, energy and infrastructure, engineering technology, food and fiber systems, health services and care, hospitality food and beverage, and tourism.
The subjects, to be introduced for Year 12 and 13 students from 2029, are being developed with industry and are designed to equip students with practical, relevant skills while supporting "pathways into university, trades, training or the workforce," Stanford said in a statement.
She said the new subjects would have the same standing as traditional subjects such as English and mathematics and would count toward national secondary school qualifications.
Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis said the government had allocated 15 million NZ dollars (about 8.83 million U.S. dollars) in the 2026 budget to develop "practical qualifications that students want and employers need."
Willis said a growing economy would create more opportunities for young New Zealanders, and the new subjects would help provide clear pathways into sectors including energy, construction, engineering, food and fiber, health and tourism. ■