Industry Connect puts our ākonga on the path to careers in trades, construction and engineering

Industry Connect 2026 is designed to connect ākonga ‘learners’ with potential employers, helping them build professional networks, explore job opportunities and take their next steps into the workforce.

The annual event brought together eighty-two industry representatives, including graduates who have built successful careers in their chosen fields now representing the companies they work for.

Organiser and Senior Industry Partner Shani Sauerman, says the event is an important part of MIT and Unitec’s commitment to preparing graduates for employment.

“From workshop tours to packed conversations on the expo floor, Industry Connect 2026 was all about making connections that matter,” Shani says.

“Industry partners got a firsthand look at our applied learning environment before meeting enthusiastic students eager to network, learn, and launch their careers.

“At MIT and Unitec, our focus is on equipping students with the skills and experience they need to thrive in the workforce. Connecting graduates with industry is one of our most important outcomes.”

Exhibitors included major employers and industry organisations such as Beca, Bunnings, Fisher & Paykel, Fletcher Construction, Northpower, Repco, OMRON Automation & Robotics, New Zealand Defence Force and Jobs & Skills Hub.

For Diploma in Civil Engineering student Harmandeep Singh, originally from Punjab, India, the event offered a chance to make connections that could help him gain valuable industry experience.

“This event is great because there are so many opportunities to connect with companies and organisations, all in one place,” Harmandeep says.

Mr Singh already has friends working as surveyors for some of the companies represented and hopes to follow a similar career path.

“I chose engineering as my career path because we can solve people’s problems, not just gain knowledge, but implement it in their daily lives.”

Fellow student Harnek Sharma attended to find out more about the civil engineering sector and what employers look for when recruiting.

“I’m just here to connect with the civil engineering industries and find more about their hiring processes and opportunities to work in the sector,” Harnek says.

The strong student turnout and sustained conversations throughout the event reinforced the value of bringing employers directly onto campus.

Head of School, Trades and Services Lee Baglow says the response exceeded expectations at Mataaho’s second annual Industry Connect event.

“Students arrived prepared, engaged with prospective employers, and sustained meaningful dialogue from start to finish,” he shared.

Employers also shared encouraging feedback about students’ practical knowledge and capability, with discussions focused on real job opportunities and the skills needed to succeed in the workforce.

Beyond the many conversations that took place on the Mataaho exhibition floor, industry representatives toured our specialist training facilities to see applied learning in action.

Tours throughout the afternoon showcased the facilities at Mataaho, the electrical engineering laboratories in Building 108 and the Level 3 Carpentry Construction site near Gate 4 on Carrington Road.

The visits provided employers a closer look at the environments where students develop practical skills and prepare for industry.

Lee says the tours also helped strengthen relationships between the institution and its industry partners.

“Employers toured our facilities. These tours generated new connections that will translate into industry partnerships.”

There was plenty of positive feedback from exhibitors on the conduct and engagement of our ākonga.

Academic Programme Manager, Electrical and Applied Technology, Mirjana Bogosanovic, says the event brought together organisations from across the electrical and technology sectors.

“Many industry partners returned again this year, and it was great to see our alumni representing their employers. Visitors also joined our Power and Automation lab tours and engaged with both.”

Industry feedback was full of praise for Industry Connect.

Francesca Gibson from Apex Recruitment embraced the opportunity to meet students and connect with other professionals.

“Our team thoroughly enjoyed the tours, networking with other industry professionals and meeting so many driven students eager to begin their careers in construction. So much ambition and talent in one place – you must be very proud,” Francesca says.

“We look forward to returning in 2027 and will stay in regular contact to assist students looking for industry experience.”

Other exhibitors similarly praised students’ enthusiasm, motivation and willingness to discuss how the skills they had learned could be applied in the workplace.

A highlight of Industry Connect was seeing alumni return as representatives of the organisations they now work for, offering current students real-life examples of where their qualifications can take them.

Mirjana was particularly proud to see two of her former students representing their employers.

Daniel Heslewood, now an Application Engineer with OMRON Automation & Robotics, progressed from the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering to the Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical), having previously studied at Bridgepoint.

Mohammad Almilhim, who graduated in 2018 Bachelor of Applied Technology (Automotive), is now the manager of Repco in Manukau.

Their career journeys demonstrate how applied education can provide a foundation for progression into technical, professional and leadership roles.

Gavin Greenhalgh, who graduated with a National Diploma in Surveying in 2001, also returned to share his experience. Now the owner of Precision Site Solutions, he says the practical knowledge and support he received helped him understand the industry.

“The tutors were very knowledgeable and helpful when I was a student,” he says.

“My advice to graduates just entering the industry is just work hard and do the basics well, the rest will follow. It’s also important for them to pay attention to the detail and listening, following instructions from people more experienced than them, taking it on board and learning from it. If you do, you tend to move up the chain quite quickly.”

In surveying, he says, understanding the information behind the work is just as important as producing results.

“Anyone can put information out there, but understanding it is the key. So listening to your peers and superiors, is definitely key.”

Shani says these connections are increasingly important in supporting the region’s demand for skilled workers.

“Industry Connect events are a cornerstone of this commitment, bringing students and employers together to build relationships, explore opportunities, and support the growing demand for skilled talent across the region.

“Many of the employers attending the event were alumni, providing a powerful example to current students of where their qualifications can take them.”

Industry Connect 2026 has laid the groundwork for future connections between our organisation and the construction, engineering and trades industries.

Lee says the success of this year’s event came down to the collective effort of the people involved.

“Thank you to every staff member, student, and employer who made this event successful. We look forward to building on this momentum as our learners’ transition into the workforce.”