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Foster the pathway of knowledge to strength, independence, and growth for future generations.
What is P-TECH
Ara P-TECH is a secondary-to-tertiary pathway designed to help rangatahi explore and prepare for careers in technology and innovation through a partnership between high schools, tertiary education and the professional world.
Students combine school learning with industry exposure, mentoring, workplace experiences and tertiary study — helping bridge the gap between education and employment.
The programme supports students to build both technical and life skills, while gaining confidence in spaces where Māori and Pacific representation has traditionally been limited.
Technology is one of Aotearoa’s fastest-growing industries, however industry data shows Māori make up only around 5% of the digital tech workforce, while Pacific peoples make up just 4.4%.
Ara P-TECH is helping change that by creating culturally supportive pathways for Māori, and Pacific peoples who bring creativity, innovation, collaboration and strong people-centred thinking, strengths that are hugely valuable in the future of tech. Current P-TECH cohorts in NZ have strong Māori and Pacific representation (around 83% collectively), and female participation of almost 35%.
We believe the future of tech in Aotearoa should reflect the diversity, talent and potential already present in our communities.
P-TECH links student learning to the world of work, tertiary study and entry-level jobs. Through the five-year pathway, students have access to industry mentors, workplace experiences and site visits, authentic learning opportunities and paid internships. Skills taught are relevant to the industry, up to date and aligned with business needs.
Secondary-Tertiary Pathway
In Year Two and Three of P-TECH, students begin one day a week at tertiary. Students will complete NCEA Level 2 and 3 alongside a Level 4 Certificate in IT Essentials. A particular emphasis is made on developing the responsibility to be a tertiary student so that transition into full-time study is successful.
Tertiary Pathway
At the end of Year 13 students have the option of continuing in the P-TECH program. Those students that decide to continue, will be eligible for the paid internship program and transfer into full tertiary study at Manukau Institute of Technology to earn a degree.
Students explore future industries and technology pathways through hands-on workshops, design thinking, leadership development and introductions to emerging technologies like AI.
Professional skills focus: communication and self-management.
Students begin preparing for employment opportunities through CV and cover letter development, mock interviews, workplace expectations and job readiness workshops.
Professional skills focus: self-management, responsibility and curiosity.
Students strengthen their independence and transition planning through tertiary preparation, financial capability workshops, personal branding, networking and future-focused technology experiences.
Professional skills focus: self-management, entrepreneurship and responsible leadership.
Students deepen their industry knowledge through workplace exposure, Agile and productivity workshops, networking opportunities and tertiary transition support designed to prepare them for life beyond school.
Professional skills focus: analytical thinking and self-management.
Students further develop adaptability, leadership and professional confidence through recruitment preparation, industry networking, mentoring opportunities and real-world workplace scenarios.
Professional skills focus: agility and cognitive flexibility.
Mentorship is a core part of the Ara P-TECH experience, connecting rangatahi with industry professionals who can share insights, encouragement and real-world experiences. Through these relationships, students build confidence and work readiness through support and encouragement.
Mentors sign up to the program for a year with the option to continue to support students throughout the program:
P-TECH Aotearoa launched in February 2020 with 43 Year 11 students and 22 mentors. The first P-TECH partnership was established in South Auckland, involving Aorere College, Manurewa High School, Manukau Institute of Technology, IBM, and The Warehouse Group.
The Ara P-TECH programme continues to expand and our latest cohort now also includes students from Southern Cross Campus, Onehunga High School, Mangere College, Tamaki College, Pukekohe College, Papakura High School, and Hauraki Plains School.
Our industry and tertiary partners include The Cause Collective’s South Auckland Creative Tech Hub, Media Design School, Spark, and ANZ Bank.
Globally, the P-TECH network extends to over 150,000 students, teachers, parents, mentors, and advocates in 28 countries.
students in 2026
schools
Māori and Pacific representation
Female representation
high school students transition to tertiary study within the P-TECH programme
Contact us today to get involved in our P-TECH Programme as a Mentor or Industry Partner
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