It’s well reported that there is a growing need for more ICT trained people in New Zealand’s workforce and people already in the profession play a major part in attracting new talent.

 Telecom’s Craig Bayley spent his volunteer day at various high schools in Auckland to talk about careers in IT in support of IITP’s school outreach program, ICT-Connect.

ICT-Connect is a long-term practical programme that will significantly contribute to resolving New Zealand's ICT skill shortage, at the same time introducing young people to a great career option in ICT.

It does this through linking professional with students in schools, creating a channel for them to inspire and widen perspectives about industry opportunities for the next generation of leaders.

ICT- Connect are now inviting professionals in the 2013 rollout areas to express an interest in getting involved.

Craig says: “I had a great time presenting at Westlake Boys and Girls High Schools over the last couple of weeks. I think ICT-Connect is a great program and we really need more people to sign up”. Craig believes it’s very important that the younger generation are aware that they can have a career in the ICT industry:

“Technology is so ubiquitous now it’s almost invisible - and it’s so easy for the next generation to become simply blind consumers, leaving us with no new blood to take over and provide input to the next iterations of capability. For the future of the industry which is our passion, and for the good of the next generation, we cannot let that happen”. “There is a yawning gulf between the demand and supply of skilled IT staff in New Zealand, as anyone who has tried to recruit talent here will know. Growing the knowledge economy is at least as important to New Zealand's future as our primary industry sectors are. It needs more focus”. “As IT professionals the ICT-Connect program gives us an awesome opportunity to give something back to the industry. It’s both enjoyable and humbling, and I personally found myself invigorated by the simple act of re-affirming to an audience who had no preconceptions why I still work in IT after 16 years”.

Thanks for sharing Craig, we love hearing about the ways our people are teaching others.