Declining student interest in tech as demand soars
As digital technology continues to reshape industries and redefine the future of work, New Zealand faces a critical challenge: a declining number of students are choosing technology-related subjects and careers, even as demand for tech talent across the workforce hits record highs.
Recent data from the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) has highlighted a concerning trend. Participation and achievement in NCEA Level 1 technology subjects dropped by 10.4% between 2023 and 2024.
The issue doesn’t stop at secondary school. At the tertiary level, enrolments in Level 3 tech-related certificate programmes declined by 7.6%, while enrolments in diplomas and certificates fell by a staggering 9.3% in just one year.
This drop in participation comes at a time when New Zealand’s employers are desperate for digitally skilled workers. Diana Sharma, co-founder of leading tech-training provider Mission Ready, says the gap between student interest and employer need is growing wider by the day.
“Instead of technology subjects being a go-to option for young people, we’re seeing fewer Year 12 and 13 students engaging with these courses,” says Sharma.
“What’s even more concerning is that some schools are choosing to stop offering Level 1 technology courses altogether. This means fewer opportunities for students to explore what a tech career could look like.”
The implications of this shift are serious. According to Sharma, 92% of job openings in New Zealand last year required some level of digital expertise. Roles in areas such as data analytics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence are not just growing – they are becoming essential across almost every sector.
“The demand for AI and cybersecurity skills, in particular, is set to surge over the next year,” Sharma notes. “These are fields that require not just technical know-how, but creative thinking and problem-solving – skills many young people already possess but may not realise are relevant to tech.”
To address this skills gap, Mission Ready has launched an initiative aimed at re-engaging secondary school student with the tech sector. Partnering with ten secondary schools across Aotearoa, the organisation has introduced a 16-week Tech Career Launchpad programme designed specifically for Year 12 and 13 students. More than $150,000 in scholarships have been provided to support the rollout.
The course, certified by NCEA/NZQA and fully funded for participating students from predominantly low-decile schools, integrates part-time study into existing school curriculum. Students engage in live virtual sessions with expert trainers, work through self-paced modules, complete real-world projects, and watch curated education videos. The full course, valued at $1,920 per student, comes at no cost thanks to the support of the Mission Ready Foundation.
“Our goal is to break down the stereotype that tech is just for geeks,” Sharma explains. “We want students to see that their unique talents, whether in creativity, communication, or logic, have a place in the tech world. This programme is about opening doors and building real pathways to high-value, future-focused careers.”
As New Zealand strives to future-proof its workforce, addressing the disconnect between education and employment in the tech sector has never been more urgent.
