My Next Move - Otago

13/11/2025

What an incredible morning at our Pathways Leadership Lunch - AI & the Future of Work!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us to discuss how AI is shaping future careers.

Key messages:
- Our job is to prepare students to use AI ethically, critically and creatively.
- Build AI literacy, not dependency.
- "AI won't take your job; rather, someone proficient with AI will take your job" - AACSB

Thank you again to the businesses who generously gave their time to share their insights:
Kyle Pol from
Ben Walker from
Daniel Harmes from
Tony Heptinstall from
Antony Deaker from
Danny Healy from -south
Paul Sinclair from .live
Craig McAuliffe from McAuliffe Stephens Registered Architects
Stephen Johnson from Incredible Software

And a huge thank you to for making this event possible! Check out a huge range of tech career profiles at techstep.nz

25/09/2025

Apprenticeships available! Contact For Trades Apprenticeship Trust for more info 🙌

🚨 We're Hiring! 🚨

We currently have two exciting apprenticeship opportunities available for motivated and hardworking individuals looking to learn and grow in a hands-on environment.

If you're eager to gain valuable experience and build a solid foundation for your future career, we'd love to hear from you!

📩 Send us an email your interest to [email protected]

Please share with anyone who might be a great fit

18/08/2025

✨ What an incredible week! Our annual SpeedMeet event brought together 800+ Year 10 & 11 students from Dunedin High schools with amazing professionals from diverse industries. Otago Boys' High School Kaikorai Valley College Trinity Catholic College, Dunedin NZ Logan Park High School NZ Queen's High School King's High School St Hilda's Collegiate School and Otago Girls' High School

Over two half day sessions at the Town Hall (Aug 11-12), students explored everything from engineering to software development, gaining real insights into potential career paths.

Huge thanks to all the professionals who shared their time and expertise as role models - you're helping shape the next generation! 💫

Health NZ – Southern
Becky Runga - Mortgage Adviser, MortgageMe
Etco - The Electrical Training Experts
Fulton Hogan
Firebrand - Marketing & Digital Transformation
Fisher & Paykel
University of Otago
Otago Polytechnic
Stellar Recruitment
Industry Connection for Excellence
New World Gardens
Dunedin Botanic Garden
NZ Defence Force
Ricky Jackson - One Agency
New Zealand Police
Polson Higgs

05/05/2025

This is a hands-on, practical programme designed to introduce participants to the basics of rocketry. Through small-group workshops, attendees will learn the fundamental principles of rocket science, build their own rockets, and take part in a community launch day. These events are entirely FREE, thanks to TechStep

TechStep Dunedin Young Professionals Dunedin Techweek

13/04/2025

🌄 Clutha Pathways Breakfast

A couple of weeks ago, we kicked off the morning in Balclutha with the Clutha Pathways Breakfast — bringing together educators, and local businesses offering real pathways for our young people to kōrero about future opportunities.

Massive thanks to our awesome collaborators:

🏢 Business-South
📚 Ministry of Education NZ
🎓 Tertiary Education Commission
🏛️ Clutha District Council
👷 Mayors Taskforce for Jobs - JOBBORTUNITIES
🤝 Ministry of Social Development NZ
🏫South Otago High School - Official Site

Events like this highlight the power of collaboration and our shared commitment to supporting youth into meaningful futures across the region.

10/03/2025

Want to learn about zero fees training programs and career pathways for youth? Join Workforce Central Dunedin and Vertical Horizonz for an informative session.

📅 Date: Thursday 27th March
⏰ Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Venue: Skillsec, 14 Bridgman Street, Dunedin

✨ Agenda Highlights:
☕ Morning Tea
🎓 Zero Fees Workforce Development Program Presentation– Vertical Horizonz
🚀 Youth & Careers Pathways – Secondary Schools Gateway - Careers
💼 Updates/Work Experience Opportunities
🤝 Networking Opportunities

To register: email [email protected] or email [email protected]

19/12/2024

The final TechStep Tech Brek we hosted alongside Aukaha this year took place on November 12th in Central Otago. Through inspiring stories and skill-building workshops, attendees learned how to navigate the industry. The event fostered a supportive community, encouraging individuals to lead innovation and redefine tech spaces.

We would like to thank these organizations who supported this initiative. Ministry of Education NZ Both Brains, The Central App, Plant & Food Research, Santana Minerals, 45 South, LawVu, and landpro.

17/12/2024

At the tail end of September, alongside Aukaha, we hosted another TechStep Tech Brek, this time in Dunedin. Attendees explored adaptive tools, success stories, and support networks designed to empower them in pursuing careers in technology. The event highlighted how diversity in abilities fosters innovation and demonstrated that tech can be a space where everyone thrives.

We would like to thank these organizations who supported this initiative. ADInstruments, CoDrivr, Firebrand - Marketing & Digital Transformation, Otago Polytechnic, Com2Tech - Community Communications Technology Trust, GummyBear, Health NZ – Southern, Fulton Hogan, Datacom, United Machinists and Animation Research.

16/12/2024

Along with Aukaha, we hosted a TechStep Tech Brek event in Oamaru on the 19th of September. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with industry professionals, hear success stories from diverse role models in tech, and explore educational and career pathways within the industry. The event focused on breaking stereotypes, building confidence, and highlighting the inclusivity and accessibility of the tech sector, with the ultimate goal of fostering a more diverse and innovative tech workforce.

We would like to thank these organizations who supported this initiative. Ministry of Education NZ, Ministry of Social Development NZ, GummyBear, Com2Tech - Community Communications Technology Trust, AgDroplets, and Creospace.

24/09/2024

Such a fun day today with an awesome group of ākonga and some very inspiring role models 🙌💛