Winter Panel Series - Something Is Broken: Education and Jobs

2 May 2025: 12:30 pm - 1:15 pm

Live online

(Connection details will be emailed shortly before the event)

 

We keep hearing about the tech skills shortage - but at the same time, graduates can’t get jobs, internships are vanishing, and enrolments in STEM subjects are falling off a cliff. What gives?

Join us for a no-holds-barred panel discussion exploring why the education-to-employment pipeline is failing so many young people in Aotearoa. This isn’t just a recession problem. It’s a systemic one.

We will hear from people working at the coalface of vocational education, job placement, and entry-level roles — including Ruth McDavitt from Summer of Tech and Rohan Wakefield from Dev Academy Aotearoa, as they discuss what needs to change, and what government, employers, and the sector must do to fix it. It is time for some honesty.


 
Ruth McDavitt - CEO at Summer of Tech

Ruth has been working to future-proof Aotearoa’s Tech industry with Summer of Tech since 2008, working to bridge the gap between learning and earning, and accelerate local connections. Her focus is the people and business side of tech, and she has a background is in economic and business development. 

Rohan Wakefield - CEO and Co-Founder of Dev Academy Aotearoa

Rohan is the co-founder of several companies including Dev Academy and have spent the past 3 decades building and scaling businesses, growing engaged communities, and navigating the challenges of startup and scale-up environments. His experience spans leadership, product development, business growth, and securing funding. 


Please note that this session may be video or audio recorded for viewing by other members at a later date. As it is possible that audience members may be incidentally recorded, please let us know if you specifically want to be excluded and we will ensure you are not shown.

Attendance Cost

Everyone: FREE


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