Technology careers came to life for 17 girls from Hamilton’s Hillcrest High School when they joined the Tuatahi team for ShadowTech Day.
ShadowTech Day is a TechWomen initiative that gives girls in years 9-11 the opportunity to experience a technology workplace, meet people working across the sector and explore the many different pathways into a tech career. This was Tuatahi’s fourth year hosting ShadowTech Day.
This year’s programme followed the journey of a fibre connection, from building and inspecting the network through to the technology used to operate, protect and manage it.
After learning about Tuatahi and how fibre connects homes, businesses and communities, the girls split into groups for a series of practical activities. They tried their hand at designing a fibre network, learned how potential faults are identified and visited a fibre distribution hub to see part of the network up close.
An office tour took the students behind the scenes at Tuatahi, including a visit to the Network Operations Centre to learn how the network is monitored and managed. They also explored geographic information systems, tested their knowledge in an IT quiz and worked through a cybersecurity activity.
Short spotlight sessions were held throughout the day, giving Tuatahi staff the opportunity to share their career journeys, what their roles involve and the different skills and experiences that led them into a tech career.
Event organiser and Tuatahi Digital Platforms Product Owner Lavinia Raj said the students’ enthusiasm was one of the highlights of the day.
“The students were engaged from the start and keen to get involved. They asked some great questions, which led to really good conversations with our people about their work and how they found their way into technology. Of course, the chocolate and lolly spot prizes may have helped with the engagement too!” Lavinia joked.
“The variety of interactive activities was a real hit. We kept the sessions short and divided the students into two groups, which rotated between different activities and locations. This helped keep the energy up and gave them the chance to experience lots of different aspects of our work.”
Lavinia said the activities and career spotlights also demonstrated the breadth of opportunities within technology.
“There isn’t one right pathway into a technology career. The day gave students a look at everything from fibre and network operations to GIS and cybersecurity, while hearing directly from women with different roles, backgrounds and career journeys.”
Student feedback highlighted the hands-on activities, small-group conversations and opportunity to learn about the different roles at Tuatahi.
“I really enjoyed learning about the behind the scenes of how the internet really works and seeing the opportunities STEM is able to open for me,” one student said.
Another commented: “I loved the variety of activities and getting to know the amazing ladies in your organisation. You were all super engaging and energetic.”
One student summed up the experience simply: “The day was short. I wish it could have been longer.”
The day was made possible by Tuatahi people from across the business, who contributed their time to lead activities, share their expertise and give the students a welcoming introduction to working in technology.
