STEM drives everything
In 2021, about 45% of jobs in Aotearoa required STEM related skills.
The Big Facts
The big facts for bright futures
Skills for tomorrow and what they could mean for your child’s future.
Helping your child prepare for their future means understanding what tomorrow might look like. It’s a world shaped by change, where skills like critical thinking, sustainability, and innovation are in high demand. From dairy to digital, industries are calling out for fresh ideas and new energy. By staying connected to what’s needed and encouraging your child to explore their strengths, you’re already helping them grow. This page brings together key facts, future-focused pathways, and the role you can play in helping your child imagine what’s possible.
Skills for tomorrow’s world
STEM drives everything
In 2021, about 45% of jobs in Aotearoa required STEM related skills.
Shortage of skilled workers
68% of NZ businesses say it’s hard to find workers with STEM skills.
Future-ready starts now
Choosing subjects like STEM, and business early helps keep doors open.
Opportunities across industries
Careers in dairy include everything from engineers, lab techs, digital, marketers – not just farming.
Real-life inspiration
Caroline Campbell
TECHNICAL ASSISTANT, FONTERRA RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CENTRE (FRDC)
Caroline’s leap into food innovation
From baking to breakthrough science
Caroline Campbell grew up baking and swimming, but her curiosity for the science behind food drew her to a Food Science degree, and ultimately to Te Mātāpuna Fonterra’s R&D Centre. Her passion for flavour and texture led her into product innovation.
Turning challenges into creamy creations
Now a Technical Assistant at FRDC, Caroline works on transforming dairy proteins, experimenting with yoghurt textures and functional ingredients. She led the team that developed a patented protein ingredient for yoghurt.
Thriving in diversity and sustainability
Caroline loves working with global and diverse teams to develop nutritious, sustainable food options. Her message for young learners: Stay curious, embrace mistakes, and let what you love guide your future.
The numbers every caregiver should know
19% of workers are over the age of 56
New Zealand’s workforce is ageing – especially in sectors like agriculture.
Fewer than 2000 STEM graduates
Aotearoa produces too few STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduates to meet demand.
STEM skills gaps are holding us back
43% of businesses say they’ve delayed projects due to a lack of skilled people.
How caregivers can make a difference
- Start the conversation early: Discuss interests and strengths to align subject choices with potential careers.
- Encourage exploration: Support trying new subjects to discover hidden passions.
- Consult school resources: Engage with teachers and career advisors for informed guidance.
- Research together: Look into how different subjects lead to various tertiary courses and job opportunities.
- Stay positive and open-minded: Reassure your child that it's okay to change paths as they grow and learn.
- Link subjects to real life: Help your child see how school learning connects to everyday life and future careers.
