Student midwives feel like unpaid labour

Aotearoa New Zealand’s midwifery sector is facing a critical workforce crisis, with a projected need to triple the number of qualified midwives and a 42% student attrition rate largely driven by financial hardship and lack of recognition.

Degree-level apprenticeships offer a practical solution by enabling student midwives to earn while they learn, improving retention, supporting wellbeing, and building a more sustainable and valued maternity care workforce.