It's time to sign up for ICT-Connect!

Keen to help make a difference to the future of New Zealand?

In partnership with over 40 companies and organisations, NZCS is very proud to announce the launch ICT-Connect in Schools. And now we need your help!

ICT-Connect is the IT industry's in-school programme to increase the visibility and desirability of a career in IT, and we're now calling for Expressions of Interest for those keen to contribute a little time presenting to the next generation in schools.

Keen to participate? Grab the info pack or take a look at www.ictconnect.org.nz/presenters

Why ICT-Connect?

Our industry has a serious perception problem, and it's time we did something about it.

Many students in schools either think our profession is about hacking code in a dark basement, using technology like word processors or phones, or worst still, have no idea whatsoever. If we're serious about addressing the major skills shortage in our sector, permanently, we need to change this perception and that's where ICT-Connect comes in.

Our young people in NZ are influenced by their peers, care-givers, teachers and media in their career choices. Many have been exposed to "technology" from a very young age and are significant users of technology but remain unaware of the raft of potential opportunities in our profession.

You and I both know how interesting, challenging, rewarding and diverse our industry really is. We know there's a great future in IT, lots of jobs, good money, worldwide opportunity and something for everyone. And ICT-Connect is about you telling your story to the next generation, face to face, in schools.

The programme developed from a huge number of requests from schools for just that - industry engagement and passionate professionals like you coming and talking about what you do and what you think about it.

So if you're in IT and love what you do, we need your help to make a difference to the future of New Zealand!

When and where?

NZCS have both national and regional coordinators in place for this initiative and will be kicking off in the following order over the coming months:

• Dunedin
• Christchurch
• Wellington
• Waikato
• Auckland

However if you're outside these areas, don't despair! ICT-Connect will be available to every school in New Zealand in time, and the decision on the next areas will be made in part based on the number of professionals signed up. So wherever you are in New Zealand, if you're keen please do sign up! 

Registering your interest

Keen to help us make a difference by talking in schools about what you do?

Anyone can sign up, however preference will be given to NZCS Members, staff of NZCS and ICT-Connect Partners and members of partner associations Health IT Cluster, SoftwareNZ and InternetNZ.

Grab the info pack for more info or visit www.ictconnect.org.nz/presenters

Supporting organisations

NZCS is partnering with the Health IT Cluster, SoftwareNZ and InternetNZ for the delivery of ICT-Connect. These organisations are doing more than just talking about the problem - they're actively contributing to the solution.

The following diverse list of companies are also financially supporting this programme and New Zealand's hi-tech future. ICT-Connect simply wouldn't be happening without their support:

Regards,

NZCS ICT-Connect in Schools Team

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