Manawatū businesses set to benefit from CEDA & ManawaTech partnership

Palmerston North's Manawatū-based businesses are set to reap significant benefits from a dynamic new collaboration recently forged between Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) and ManawaTech. This innovative partnership, which supports the 2024 Summer of Tech programme, aims to boost the number of recent tech graduates relocating to the region.

The two organisations will absorb the Summer of Tech registration cost for businesses that choose to participate. Additionally, they will also co-fund 50% of any placement fee. Greg Bignall, Business Development Manager for CEDA, commented on this strategic alliance, saying, "Tech plays such a crucial role across the entire ecosystem. There's a nice synergy because tech permeates all sectors that CEDA focuses on."

Established back in 2006, Summer of Tech is a nationwide internship initiative that enables employers seeking tech-savvy talent to directly connect with students and graduates. Employers can utilize the programme's digital platform to swiftly identify the best candidates for various roles. This efficient process considerably reduces the recruitment timeframe and provides easy access to a rich pool of talented tech students and graduates.

300 students have already expressed interest in capitalizing on this opportunity by relocating to the Manawatū region for an internship. The Summer of Tech programme complements existing channels that businesses use when seeking internships. However, its competitive edge lies in the fact that it allows students from all over the country to engage with Manawatū businesses, as opposed to just students attending local tertiary institutions.

Commenting on the recruitment issues that plague local companies, Steve Pavarno, ManawaTech Executive Officer said, "Recruitment has consistently proved challenging for local businesses. Although we receive exceptional graduates from local study providers like UCOL | Te Pkenga, they're insufficient to keep up with the region's ongoing growth and increasing demand."

Along with the prospect of attracting new talent to the region, he praised the platform's tools that enable employers to filter their searches by experience, training, or commercial practice. He acknowledged the far-reaching economic impact of technological investment, asserting, "Tech has a multiplying effect. Tech experts continually improve efficiencies for businesses, boosting productivity, which in turn promotes growth, development, and, ultimately, stimulates the region's economy."

Kate Morten, Employer Delivery Manager at Summer of Tech, also expressed her optimism towards the project. She has observed a growing willingness among candidates to relocate for the perfect role. Through this partnership, she hopes to lure fresh talent to the Manawatū region over the summer and, ideally, see that talent base become a permanent, sustainable feature contributing to a steady talent pipeline.

In anticipation, Bignall has set ambitious targets for the programme, urging as many businesses as possible to register. With companies across diverse sectors like agritech and IT support already participating, he expects to see representation from a broader range of industries as well. He emphasizes Manawatū's thriving tech sector on the positive repercussions of bringing the Summer of Tech programme to the region.