August 15, 2016
Too few Maori aiming for tech jobs
An organisation that offers after school computer and technology training in low income communities is raising concern at the low number of young Maori entering the tech sector.
High Tech Youth chief executive Mike Usmar says just 1 percent of Maori are studying information and communications technology at tertiary level, yet the technology export sector is worth over $7 billion dollars to the country.
Thousands of young people are turning up each day at High Tech Youth’s studios in schools and community centres, and they have the potential to transform New Zealand socially and economically if they can be helped to reach their potential.
Globally the ICT and technology sector has an appalling record for its lack of workforce diversity and gender equity.
High Tech Youth has set a goal of filling 60,000 ICT jobs by 2020.
It’s holding an Indigenous Innovation Hui in Auckland on August 26 co-sponsored by Microsoft NZ and AUT's Colab.
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