Building Tomorrow's Tech Talent: Why Skills Matter for Aotearoa's Future

As we announce 'Developing Careers & Skills' as a key pillar for Techweek25, the timing couldn't be more crucial. New Zealand's tech sector is booming – contributing 8% to our GDP and generating nearly $11 billion in export revenue. But behind these impressive numbers lies a challenge that affects us all: the growing digital skills gap.

The numbers tell a compelling story. In 2023, 96% of tech employers reported facing skills shortage challenges. While our tech sector is growing nine times faster than the rest of the economy, we're struggling to keep pace with the talent needed to fuel this growth. It's like having a high-performance engine but not enough skilled mechanics to keep it running.

But this isn't just about filling jobs – it's about creating opportunities for all New Zealanders. Currently, only 29% of digital technology roles are filled by women, while Māori and Pacific peoples represent just 4.8% and 4.4% respectively. In leadership positions, these numbers are even lower, with women holding only 18% of board positions in tech companies.

The good news? We're seeing promising shifts in how people can enter tech careers. Traditional degrees aren't the only path anymore – industry certifications, short-term training programs, and practical experience are increasingly valued by employers. Companies like AWS and Google offer certification programs that can fast-track people into tech careers.

However, we're facing what experts call a 'leaky pipeline.' While job opportunities in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity continue to grow, we're seeing declining participation in tech subjects at secondary school. In 2021, only 5,642 students took NCEA Digital Technology. It's like having a garden with amazing potential but not enough seeds being planted.

At Techweek25, we're tackling these challenges head-on. We're bringing together:

• Industry leaders sharing insights about future skill needs
• Education providers showcasing diverse learning pathways
• Tech professionals offering career guidance
• Companies highlighting job opportunities
• Success stories from people who've made the leap into tech

But perhaps most importantly, we're focusing on making tech careers more accessible and appealing to all New Zealanders. Whether you're a student considering your future, someone looking to change careers, or an employer wanting to develop your team's skills, Techweek25 offers practical insights and connections to help you succeed.

The path forward is clear: we need stronger collaboration between industry, education, and government. We need more entry-level opportunities, better support for underrepresented groups, and clearer pathways from education to employment. Most importantly, we need to show all New Zealanders that they have a place in our tech future.

Join us at Techweek25 to be part of this crucial conversation. Whether you're exploring a career in tech, looking to upskill your team, or interested in how we can build a more inclusive tech sector, there's something for you.