Infometrics Chief Executive and Principal Economist Brad Olsen and Principal Consultant Rob Heyes discuss New Zealand’s up-and-coming workforce, and our recent analysis of the destinations of Kiwi school leavers and how to improve them.

Using IDI data, we have examined school leaver destinations over time, allowing us to trace how young people move into the workforce, further education, or other outcomes after they leave school, and how these destinations are influenced by attainment of qualifications at school. Productivity growth across New Zealand has been lacklustre in recent times, and enhancing outcomes across the workforce will be a key part of getting the productivity lift needed. Understanding how students transition into a new pathway after school can help highlight where and how to intervene to get better outcomes for learners and the economy.