These case studies explore effective models of employer engagement with education that create stronger pathways into industry. Their purpose is to highlight how industries can attract and retain talent by connecting with young people early — through site visits, work shadowing, and work experience opportunities.
By documenting and sharing real examples, the case studies make visible industries that are often overlooked, provide insight into how employers can build sustainable talent pipelines, and inform educators on how best to connect learners with meaningful career opportunities. They are intended as practical resources that both industry and education can replicate or adapt to strengthen workforce attraction and retention.
Logistics is the backbone of New Zealand’s economy—but for many young people, it’s a hidden industry. With an ageing workforce and growing demand for entry-level talent, the sector needs to connect more meaningfully with the next generation.
Recognising this, Lisa Coleman, Director of Rocket Freight, partnered with Green Bay High School to raise awareness of logistics careers among students. After successfully hiring two students from the school, Lisa saw the potential for a larger impact and brought together a network of logistics employers to amplify the opportunity.
What made this collaboration powerful was its personal touch—many industry volunteers had direct ties to the school, either as alumni or whānau. This gave students relatable role models and a clearer sense of what’s possible.
Lisa coordinated professionals from across the sector, including representatives from Ports of Auckland, The Warehouse Group, Cosco Shipping, Willship International, and Reliable Transport. Together, they delivered an engaging classroom event introducing students to the variety of careers available—from customs and shipping to warehousing and talent acquisition.
Targeting the school’s Vocational Education class, the event aligned with curriculum goals and offered students valuable exposure, followed by opportunities for work shadowing and real-world experience.
Why it worked: •Strong personal connections between school and industry •Diverse employer collaboration •Alignment with curriculum and career-readiness goals •Use of the WE3 model to guide engagement
Outcomes: •Greater student awareness of logistics careers •Positive feedback from students and employers •Stronger, ongoing relationships between the school and sector
This initiative shows how employer-led collaboration can shine a light on overlooked industries—and build a talent pipeline for the future.
On August 21, Hanga-Aro-Rau’s Pathways team hosted an Inspiring the Future event at the Auckland Airport Skills and Job Hub, introducing students to the world of logistics, warehousing, and supply chain careers.
In collaboration with the Ara Education Charitable Trust (AECT), schools across South Auckland were invited to nominate students aged 16–18 with an interest in the sector. The event drew 94 students from James Cook High, Manurewa High, Papakura High, Southern Cross Campus, and The Fono, alongside 20 employers from logistics and distribution businesses.
Supported by networks including Supply Chain NIAG, Wiri Business Association, and CBAFF, participating employers included Foodstuffs, Healthcare Logistics, Kerry Logistics, MoVE, Sneddens Global Logistics, and more. Many of the employers were new to this type of engagement but were encouraged to share their diverse career journeys—highlighting that there’s no “one right way” into the sector.
Students were grouped and rotated through business stands, engaging in 15-minute Q&A sessions. They asked about roles, career paths, and job entry points, while employers shared stories, brought props like model trucks and maps, and showcased live job opportunities.
The event ran on the WE3 model:
Exposure to the industry, exploration of career possibilities, and experience through follow-up work shadowing opportunities.
Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive. One student said, “Bob from Kerry Logistics explained stuff really well and really inspired me.” Students wanted even more time with employers, more real-life stories—and more lollies!
Employers left feeling inspired too, eager to run future events and impressed by the students’ curiosity. One standout? Beth’s homemade scones, a crowd favourite at morning tea.
This event proved how authentic, face-to-face engagement can spark career curiosity—and unlock future talent for the logistics sector.
New Zealand’s engineering and manufacturing sectors face critical workforce shortages—an additional 23,600 workers are needed by 2029. With trades like welding and fabrication in high demand, employers must look beyond short-term fixes to grow local talent pipelines.
Patton Engineering, a leading firm in Hawke’s Bay, took a proactive approach by partnering with Hastings Boys’ High School to prepare students for careers in engineering. Driven by Company Directors Johno Williams and Andrew Burn, the partnership was built on personal connections and a shared goal: create meaningful opportunities for local youth.
Patton had struggled to recruit qualified tradespeople and recognised that investing in young people was key to long-term success. Together with the school, they identified a critical barrier—outdated equipment limiting student learning. With support from the One Foundation, they co-funded new welding gear for use across both school and business.
A joint governance board, including school leaders and Patton Engineering, was established to ensure the partnership’s sustainability and strategic alignment.
The programme follows the WE3 model: •Exposure: Site visits and conversations with apprentices •Explore: Hands-on welding and fabrication activities •Experience: Ongoing work placements at Patton Engineering
Why it worked: •Reliable student participation supported by school-provided transport •Strong mentorship from relatable apprentices and staff •Shared governance and community trust involvement •Clear expectations and structured engagement
Impact: •Six students transitioned into apprenticeships with Patton •Staff gained pride and satisfaction from mentoring •Student enrolment in engineering tripled •A new Building Academy was launched •Stronger local employment networks were built
This partnership shows how employers can invest in their future workforce while supporting local schools and communities—one practical step at a time.
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