contact@alexanderjames.co.nz

Sector Spotlight | STEM

Jennifer Brogan • May 13, 2024

As someone who has been around longer than Google, it’s safe to say that we’re living in an era known for its technological advancements and rapid scientific progress. Things are faster and more convenient than ever before which I’m grateful for.

While this fast-paced world comes with a hefty price tag, I want to focus on something other than cybersafety and the social dilemma… future proofing our future.


The demand for skilled professionals in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields is higher than ever however, a concerning global trend has emerged: lower numbers of tertiary students are enrolling in STEM programs, which could create significant challenges for the future workforce. I want to explore the far-reaching effects of this phenomenon and why you should care about it.


If the Covid-related talent shortage taught us anything, a workforce imbalance, i.e. a surplus of grads in non-STEM fields and a shortage of STEM-related professionals, it creates an employment market where candidates are king. If you tick the boxes required for any job opportunity, it felt like candidates could almost write their own employment offer including work type and salary. Sounds great right? Unfortunately, we’re now seeing people who have now priced themselves out of the market.


Looking even further into the future, a drop in qualified in STEM experts could hinder economic growth and innovation, as well as technological innovation and advancement, potentially leaving industries and economies trailing behind in the global race for competitiveness.


According to local statistics*, Aotearoa New Zealand seems to be bucking the global trend of tertiary students opting for non-STEM disciplines, resulting in a disproportionate distribution of skills in the job market, but how long will we escape the consequences of this worrying STEM trend and what can we do to stop it altogether?




How to Protect the Future of STEM

  1. Remove the Roadblocks
    Many of our tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people) look at STEM subjects as being in the “too hard basket” making it unlikely they would consider studying these fields even if they were interested in knowing how things work and why.

    By making Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics more accessible to the masses, it would attract a more diverse range of students to this vital disciplines.

  2. Representation Matters
    To dream of a possible future, you first need to see yourself there. The absence of relatable role models in STEM fields, especially among underrepresented groups, like women, Māori and Pasifika, makes it harder for the next generation to imagine themselves doing it.

    Encouraging diversity and showcasing successful individuals in STEM can inspire a wider range of students to enter these fields.

  3. STEM in the Spotlight
    Inadequate education and resources seems to be a regular issue in the media; there just aren’t enough teachers with the knowledge and passion to encourage students to thrive at STEM subjects at school.

    There’s no silver bullet for fixing the New Zealand education system but perhaps parents could talk about STEM stuff in the home and shine a light on people like Nanogirl (Dr. Michelle Dickinson) who make science accessible and fun – check out this list of         international STEM influencers who could ignite something in our tamariki and rangatahi brains.



While it's encouraging that the number of people studying STEM subjects at local tertiary institutions is experiencing steady growth, it’s vital that this is maintained to ensure the security of our future workforce. By raising awareness of this potential talent trap, we can work together towards cultivating a diverse and skilled STEM workforce that is essential to continuing to drive innovation, economic growth and global competitiveness.


And that feels like a win/win for everyone.


Ngā mihi nui



*educationcounts.govt.nz/statistics/tertiary-participation: Provider-based enrolments: field of study of the courses studied at tertiary education providers.

Sector Spotlight | Cybersecurity

By Caitlyn Spedding • July 8, 2024
In an era dominated by digital advancements, the need to fortify our online infrastructure has become top priority resulting in a shift in mindset for how we think about security but also caused a surge in demand for cybersecurity professionals across the Kiwi job market.

How To: Handle Rejection

By Steph Rae • June 11, 2024
Rejection is one of those things that you need to learn from and move on, especially when it comes to putting yourself out there for new opportunities, like job hunting. Here's some advice on how to handle rejection and use it as a tool for growth...

Industry Insights: Women in Construction

By Tessa Phillips • April 15, 2024
As a woman working on the periphery of the construction industry, I’m using this article to explore the journey of Kiwi women in construction and the profound impact they are making on our local infrastructure.

The Perks of Being a Ground Breaker

By Toni Lea • March 30, 2024
The Construction & Engineering team know that things can only be changed when you change the way you do things so they put their "outside the box" thinking hats on to challenge the status quo.

Walking the Talk: Hiring Rangatahi

By Toni Lea • March 25, 2024
As hiring managers, we must be open to challenging our preconceived notions and biases when evaluating candidates. Experience should not be the be-all and end-all in the hiring process. By giving rangatahi their first opportunity, it’s not only a win/win for all involved but it feels damn good knowing you’re putting something into motion that could potentially change lives forever.

Case Study | The Tauriko Story

By Tessa Phillips • March 24, 2024
A state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in the beautiful Bay of Plenty needed a whole new workforce ready to service it when it was time to go. Winstone Wallboards chose the Construction & Engineering team as their recruitment delivery partner...
Tips & tricks for negotiating a job offer.

How To: Negotiate a Job Offer

By Aaron Ryan • March 18, 2024
Negotiating the terms of your employment, is an often overlooked yet crucial step in the job seeking process. Here are some simple tips & tricks to help you to ensure a mutually beneficial arrangement for you and your potential new employer.

How To: Interview

By Kate Corkery • February 14, 2024
It can be difficult to feel confident going into a job interview but here's our advice on how to use every interview as an opportunity to shine, showcase your skills, and stand out for all the right reasons – and remember, that practice makes perfect.

How To: Write A CV

By Steph Rae • November 17, 2023
There’s something quintessentially Kiwi about not wanting to “go loud” about our accomplishments or achievements, but we must tell you; writing a CV (or resume) is not the place to be humble. Check out our 'Top Tips' on how to put your best foot forward...

How To: Raise Profile

By Lauren Mouton • November 15, 2023
Headhunting is the process of searching for talent that best fits an available job opportunity. It’s a more proactive strategy than regular recruiting as it involves identifying and reaching out to people who may not even be looking for a job but might consider a move given the right incentive. But how can you increase your odds of being "headhunted"?
More Posts

Contact Us

Have a question?We’re here to help. Send us a message and we’ll be in touch. 

Share by: