Futureintech

Vision / Mission / Goals

New Zealand’s need for a more highly skilled workforce in the technology, engineering and science industries has become urgent. University graduate numbers in these fields fall far short of industry demand. It’s a situation that, without intervention, will worsen over the coming decade. Futureintech has been funded by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise as one of a range of initiatives to counter this trend. Its aim is to significantly lift enrolments in tertiary study in technology, engineering and science over the medium to long term.

Launched in 2003, Futureintech is an initiative of The Institution of Professional Engineers, New Zealand, the professional body for engineering. Futureintech works directly with schools, industries and universities to help ensure that technology, maths and science teachers have the right resources to inform school students and inspire them to continue their study through to tertiary level. The approach is hands-on. Nine Futureintech Regional Facilitators work to engage industry support, and work with classroom teachers, careers advisors, students and their caregivers, within primary, intermediate and secondary schools throughout New Zealand.

What we currently do in the way of marketing

Futureintech's key promotional tool is our website which was established in early 2004 and revamped this year. We produce a range of brochures about careers in technology, engineering and science for students, teachers and careers advisers. The very best advertisment for careers in technology, engineering and science are Futureintech Ambassadors who are young professionals who volunteer their time to work alongside students and teachers in their classrooms on maths, science and technology prjects.

Message to Students / How you can help

From our research we know most young people want variety, reward, travel, teamwork and recognition from a job and careers in s, t & e offer this - Futureintech's problem is letting students know. Engineering is a hidden profession - you're unlikely to hear about an engineer unless a bridge collapses (not a good reommendation for a career).

Careers in ICT tend to be considered geeky and for boys, not only that but since the dot com crash they are seen as a risky prospect. Scientists also suffer from unfair stereotyping - lab coat and glasses no style or charisma.

Futureintech aims to challenge these stereotypes and to give students a realistic view (in fact a taste) of what a career in t, e & s has to offer.

A digital solution is a new way for us to inform students of the many options open to them.