Students who undertake work placements as part of their training are calling to be paid an allowance, with reports of some students sinking into debt or even poverty while on mandatory placements.

While some industries pay their trainees, students studying in healthcare, social work and education do not.

A petition has been started for students in these sectors to receive a stipend to help cover living costs.

Bex Howells is the spokesperson for Paid Placements Aotearoa.

She says up to 45 percent of trainees are dropping out due to financial hardship.

Howells spoke to Charlotte Cook.