Schools

We pulled together a list of local events, resources, and support for Digital Technologies teachers and students.

Tech competitions

• 123tech runs every year, encouraging students to solve problems in their local community or school with tech. Girls High did really well in the nationals last year, and other local schools also participate.
• Manawatu Digi Fest is a STEM festival showcasing student learning 
• KiwiBots makes robotics fun. The local chapter are active in many schools.
• AWS Deep Racer teaches machine learning by training an autonomous car to drive around a track

Events

• Manawatu Girl Powered (St Peters College) runs every year for intermediate age kids
• TechWeek is in May every year: a week long celebration of tech. Many events are suitable for students. 
• Local Meetups are open to students and teachers.

Teacher Support

• Big MaCC (Bigger Manawatū Computing Cluster) is a group where teachers share resources and experience, debate new standards.
• The Library has a big list of tech equipment available for use (and sometimes for loan), and people who can teach you to use them.
• Shadow Tech offers industry mentors to tech teachers and careers advisors who will help students on their way to a career in the IT industry. 

Mentoring

• ManawaTech offer a mentoring program that is open to high school students who who are serious about careers in tech and have questions; or would like support beyond what teachers can give; or who want industry connections
• Tony Lyne is available as a mentor for students or support / industry contact for teachers.
• We can connect you with industry professionals available to come and visit your class to answer questions about what it's like to have a career in tech. TechHub Talks is a national program for this, but is not currently active locally.

Gateway / Work / Internships

• The Gateway Program places year 11-13 students in local tech companies part time for a few weeks for early work experience. ManawaTech maintain a list of companies that Accept Gateway Students.
• Gateway Students looking for a placement should create a Work profile. It answers common questions that companies ask and will speed up your placement. Don't wait for a reply though. You are welcome to contact companies you are interested in directly.
• Gifted students may find part time or holiday work if they create a Looking for Work profile on our CV Database

Awards

• List of local IT Scholarships for those who are considering tertiary study
• An Excellence in IT trophy is free to local schools, with prizes sponsored by local companies.

Please Contact Us if there is something else you think we should add