The New Zealand Tech Alliance is a group of independent technology associations from across New Zealand that work together to ensure a strong voice for technology.
Visit Tech Alliance
NZTech Update – Skills shortages and teacher development
Hi Readers
We are currently working on a project with ATEED and the Ministry of Education to develop and pilot models to assess the viability of providing pathways directly from high school into the tech sector. Interestingly, there is anecdotal evidence that the organic increase of high school students taking up programming and other digital technology classes is growing at a faster rate than the industry’s ability to absorb young talent. Most of our survey respondents noted that they do have skills shortages, but for people with 3-5 years experience. As a result, there is increasing demand for skilled migrants and university graduates that can’t find work.
This week, I am presenting to over a thousand teachers at ULearn, the largest teacher development conference in New Zealand, on why teaching digital technologies is critical. I expect that as digital technologies become more wide spread in our schools, the number of university students will increase and we will have plenty of home grown talent. Our challenge, as an industry, is to put in place programmes and systems to help transition local talent into our firms from different levels of education. I am quietly optimistic.
In other news, I am delighted to welcome Andrea Hancox to the NZTech team. Andrea joins us today in Wellington as our new Member and Government Relations Director. It is fantastic to have someone based in Wellington again with Andrea’s experience and energy.
Have a great week
All the best
Graeme
SECURITY SUMMIT IN 14 DAYS
NATIONWIDE IN 2017
LATEST TECH NEWS HERECONNECT
Join NZSA for their monthly networking event on 11 October, 15 Years on the Mobile Revolution Frontline with Brani Mead.
Want to try co-working? Biz Dojo are holding an open week, 17-21 October, in Auckland and Christchurch so you can give it a go.
Time to network! The countdown is on for Microsoft Ignite NZ in Auckland, 25-28 October. Check out the keynotes, party and tech sessions.
PROMOTE
This week, 5 October in Auckland, the #ITSNZSummit discusses transport technology; autonomous vehicles, public transport, smart cities, and transport safety.
Tech Futures Lab are running exec courses in Auckland during October on The Future of Education, Grow your Business with IoT and Forecasting for Business with Machine Learning.
If you missed last month’s Canterbury Tech Summit, read the highlights including what the PM had to say, preparing for tech growth and the fourth industrial revolution.
ADVANCE
As part of #ConnectSmartWeek High Tech Youth brings together expert speakers on Cyber security, safety and young people at school for a webinar on 12 October.
Help celebrate everyday kiwis doing world changing things at the New Zealand Innovation Awards 2016 on 20 October in Auckland. Check out the stellar line up of finalists.
What could life look like when kids leave school in 2028? NZTech CEO, Graeme Muller presents the future to 1500 teachers at ULearn, discussing why students need to learn digital tech now.
