The Industry Training Federation wants secondary schools to introduce a new style of trade training course for students.
It says schools provide a clear pathway for the 30% of students who are going to university, but the majority of students need more help.
The federation says it's time to develop broad new courses for students considering vocational study or work.
Executive director Jeremy Baker says the courses would help young people make sense of the choices open to them when they finish school.
The Graphics and Technology Teachers Association says the proposal could benefit students by drawing together NCEA achievement standards and the industry qualifications schools already in use.
Union approval
The Post Primary Teachers Association says the industry proposal is better than the Government's plans for trade academies.
Union president Kate Gainsford says the federation's plan would be more comprehensive and reach more students.
