The challenge
Rise by Talent was seeking to bridge an important gap: preparing emerging talent, with no prior experience in Data or AI, to engage with rapidly evolving technologies in a way that was both practical and inspiring.
The challenges were clear:
- Short timeframe: one week per module, limiting the depth of technical upskilling possible.
- Complex subject matter: Data and AI landscapes are vast, and risk overwhelming early learners.
- Market relevance: content needed to align closely with the skills currently demanded by industry.
- Engagement: younger participants required an approach that balanced education with confidence-building to encourage long-term interest.
At the same time, New Zealand’s technology sector continues to face both a skills shortage and a lack of representation from Māori and Pasifika communities. Building pathways into Data and AI roles for this cohort was therefore not only a training exercise but also an important contribution to a more inclusive and future-ready workforce.
The solution
Avec developed a structured program tailored to these constraints and goals:
- Foundational learning: each module opened with a 101-style educational session, providing accessible context on Data and AI in 2025.
- Applied assignments: participants were tasked with a week-long project, broken into manageable steps that could be aligned with individual strengths and learning goals.
- Real-world data sources: the cohort worked on an electricity market solution that drew data from the International Energy Agency, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the Electricity Authority, Powershop, and the Commerce Commission.
- Hands-on delivery: outputs included a Power BI reporting set for consumers and an analytics layer for electricity distributors.
- Mentoring and exposure: the program culminated in presentations to leading figures in New Zealand’s Data and AI sector, ensuring participants gained both feedback and visibility.
The result
The programme achieved strong outcomes despite the compressed timeframe:
- Participants delivered high-quality projects that demonstrated practical application of new skills.
- Presentations were well received by industry leaders, positioning the cohort as emerging voices in Data and AI.
- The electricity market solution outputs were credible enough to be considered by distributors and end-users.
The training programme was also recognised and shortlisted for the Te Ao Māori & Pasifika AI award at the Aotearoa AI Awards 2025, underscoring the quality, impact, and innovation of its community-driven design and delivery.
Through this engagement, the Avec team successfully enabled Rise by Talent to deliver meaningful, market-aligned training that not only accelerated skills development but also showcased the potential of young Māori and Pasifika talent in New Zealand’s technology sector.
“Collaborating with Avec on our Data & AI module meant our rangatahi learned by ‘doing’ through a real case study. They used AI to scope the problem, gather and tidy sample data, draft emails and reports, and test ideas safely – not just watching demos, but running a mini project end-to-end. It showed them they shouldn’t only consume technology but can be the driving force behind it.”
Shanelle
Kaiārahi, Youth Programs Lead
Rise by Talent
“Avec’s comprehensive program, including work readiness and Data & AI training gave me the real-world experience and support to really break into the workforce.”
Josh
Service Desk Engineer
Tower Insurance