NZTech Inform – how do kids rank tech as a job?

NZTech and the Tech Alliance associations are not-for-profit organisations supported by membership fees from a collective of over 1,500 members.  With limited funding and a long list of important jobs, we also heavily rely on volunteers.  Across the Tech Alliance there are several hundred people donating their time in governance roles, executive councils, advisory boards, finance committees and working groups.  I don’t say this often enough, but these volunteers deserve a massive thank you! Collectively, it is their energy that keeps us moving forward at pace.  Your time and effort is greatly appreciated, thank you.
 
Occasionally, an opportunity arises to join our team in a paid role.  Currently, one of these opportunities is available for the right person!  Digital Identity NZ, an association dedicated to helping create a digital identity ecosystem that enhances privacy, trust and improves access for all people in New Zealand, is currently recruiting for a new Executive Director.  Learn more about DINZ and the role here.
 
Last week, our meeting with the Ministry of Education and the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) was highly productive.  Both chief executives are strongly committed to working alongside the tech ecosystem to help improve the tech talent pipeline.  The TEC drew our attention to their recent Drawing the Future research, including 7,200 Kiwi kids (7-13 yr olds) identifying their career aspirations.  Information Technology ranked 45th on the list and game developers 40th, behind fast food worker (26th), retail sales assistant (38th) and SPCA worker (42nd).  Sportsperson was the top pick for a future job.  The key message is that the tech sector has a big job to improve its profile if we want to provide high value future careers for Kiwi’s.  It was acknowledged that this will take a collective effort from the sector and the agencies.
 
Meanwhile, COVID-19 has locked down Auckland again, so this week my online persona will attend the Hi-Tech Trust annual strategy planning session, the Education New Zealand recovery plan deep dive workshop, the AgriTechNZ executive council meeting and the AI Forum executive council meeting.
 
Best wishes for the coming week, stay safe and take care.

Ngā mihi 

Graeme Muller
CEO 

PS:  I spoke to Advocacy Update about Digital Skills, read more.

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