Tradies v graduates: Row hots up over who earns more

NEW research that compares the lifetime finances of tradespeople to that of qualified graduates is "misleading", Universities New Zealand says.

Business and Economic Research Ltd research for the Industry Training Federation claim its findings quashed parents’ belief that doing a trade was a "bad thing" by showing that individuals with level four to six qualifications such as trades apprentices, ended up in an equally financially fruitful retirement situation as someone with a bachelor degree.

But Chris Whelan, executive director of Universities New Zealand, rejected the study.

"It is disingenuous putting out this kind of modelling that implies a trades apprentice can buy a house earlier. We do not think that happens in reality."