The statistics for Māori, Pacific peoples, women, neuro diverse, and people with disabilities having a career in tech are still way lower than they should be.
It is often said that you can’t be what you can’t see.
That’s where TechStep comes in. TechStep is helping to inform and inspire people that it is possible for them to have a career in tech, with a particular focus on addressing those statistics.. The programme, funded by MBIE, is being implemented by the Auckland Business Chamber, the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce and their partners around Aotearoa and is making huge steps towards helping people see a tech career is possible for them.
“TechStep complements the incredible work of technology teachers across Aotearoa, supporting their efforts to inspire and inform rangatahi,” says Leah Gates, Chief Operating Officer at the Auckland Business Chamber. “By sharing engaging online resources, especially through social media platforms like TikTok — TechStep reinforces the messages rangatahi are hearing in classrooms and kura, helping to spark curiosity and confidence in tech pathways.”
TechStep is delivering the messages through a range of online and in some cases face to face events.
The online resources which are shared through social media channels like Tik Tok, Facebook, Instagram and some advertising, include our now well known TechStep Ambassadors. These short videos showcase people who are mostly from our target audience that have made it into a tech job despite some challenges.
‘We love our ambassador programme’, Leah said. ‘These are people who have given their time to share their story, their job, and really showcase how they have made it into their tech job. They are inspiring others and showing just how possible it is for people like them to get into tech. We now have over 100 videos showcasing different jobs and different stories, and we are adding more every week. The videos were seen by over 4 million people over the past 12 months through our social media engagement, so we are really proud of what TechStep is achieving.’
The TechStep website, www.techstep.nz, not only has all of the Ambassador videos, it has resources on different tech careers, education resources, a tech vault with a load of resources, and tech jobs. Over 300,000 people visited the website in the last 12 months so it is really working.
TechStep is also supporting a range of events through the year including careers events and for the second year, TechWeek. All of the events are showcased at https://www.techstep.nz/techevents/. The events are designed to help connect individuals to tech information and companies and alongside the TechStep ambassadors inspire and inform people that it is possible for a career in tech.
‘TechStep is a great additional resource for the TENZ teachers and this is why TechStep is supporting TENZ with a small amount of sponsorship in 2025’ says Leah, “we will be present at the TENZ Conference later this year to show what TechStep is all about.
In the meantime, we would recommend TENZ members check out www.techstep.nz and use the resources to support their classroom activity and learning. It really is possible for anyone to have a tech career.’
