A sharp drop in students studying technology at NCEA Level 1 has raised concerns across the education and tech sectors. Participation and attainment fell 10.4% from 2023 to 2024, at a time when demand for digital talent is accelerating.
Tertiary Institutions Report Fall in Tech Enrolments
Tertiary-level participation in tech education declined further in 2023. Level 3 certificate enrolments dropped by 7.6%, and diploma and certificate courses saw a 9.3% decrease, mirroring concerns raised in the secondary sector.
Schools Withdraw Technology Subjects from Curriculums
A growing number of schools are withdrawing from teaching technology at Level 1. Cuts and reductions in course offerings are limiting students’ early exposure to digital learning.
“Instead of technology courses and careers being popular, growing options among school leavers, there is actually now declining participation with Year 12 and Year 13 students, further limiting their access to these critical learning pathways and opportunities,” says Diana Sharma, co-founder of Mission Ready, a leading Kiwi tech-training provider.
Employers Compete for Scarce Tech Talent
While student interest shrinks, industry demand continues to climb. Digital roles are dominating the job market, and employers are increasingly desperate to find skilled workers.
“Despite this downturn in student interest and course offerings, employer demand for tech-skilled workers continues to surge,” Sharma explains. “92% of job openings in New Zealand last year required digital expertise, with companies competing fiercely for talent in fields such as data analysis, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.”
“The demand for AI and cybersecurity roles is particularly expected to accelerate in the next 12 months, driven by rapid advancements in technology and a growing need for robust data protection,” she adds.
Mission Ready Launches Tech Career Programme in Schools
Mission Ready is intervening directly in schools with a new scholarship-funded programme aimed at reversing the slump. The organisation has teamed up with 10 secondary schools and learning institutions, offering more than $150,000 in scholarships to support students pursuing technology education.
“The first 20-strong intake of Year 12/13 student trainees from across the motu has just got under way with a 16-week Tech Career Launchpad programme course aimed at inspiring and equipping Year 12 and 13 students for future careers in the tech sector.”
The course, which is NCEA/NZQA-certified, normally costs $1920 per student but is fully funded for low-decile schools through the Mission Ready Foundation. It is delivered part-time and integrated into school curricula, combining live Teams sessions, self-paced modules, project-based learning, and video content.
Mission Ready Reframes Tech for the Next Generation
It’s not just about plugging the workforce gap, it’s about changing the narrative around who belongs in tech for Sharma.“We are all about bridging the gap between tech education and employment, and creating pathways to higher-skilled, higher-paying roles in the tech workforce — especially for our underrepresented rangatahi.”
She also notes the programme aims to break down outdated stereotypes: “We are challenging stereotypes that tech is ‘just for geeks’ and aligning students’ unique skills and interests with real-world tech careers.”
Mission Ready is planning to scale up the programme throughout 2024 and into 2026, with more fully funded courses on the horizon.