In this day and age access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) plays an absolutely essential role in both economic and social development.

Over the last decade investment on ICTs has become the largest component of capital expenditure within most organizations. The increasing investment on ICTs and accelerated adoption of ICT solutions (to digitize businesses and modernize communities) have introduced challenges. Today, more than ever, organizations and societies depend on skilled ICT workers to keep up with the pace of adapting ICTs and benefit from their investments on ICT solutions and applications.

Concern about the shortage of ICT and eTechnology skills is world-wide. The world has become aware that growth in adoption of ICT is outstripping the supply of adequately trained and skilled ICT workforce and the situation is unlikely to improve. It is clear that, either directly or indirectly, one of the key roles of tertiary education is to develop, prepare and supply adequately skilled ICT workers to respond to the needs of Industry.

As an exciting closure to the 2009 South Island Digital Careers Expo, NZCS Canterbury Branch has organized for a panel of experts from various sectors to discuss the ICT skills gap and possible solutions that can be considered to address the increasing demand on ICT skills. The panellist will represent views from various professional bodies and organizations such as: the tertiary sector, Department of Labour, Accelerated Auckland, Canterbury Development Corporation and human resources management functions of technology companies within the Canterbury region.

This will be an exceptional opportunity to be part of an interactive discussion suitable for industry, students, academia, and anyone interested in becoming aware of ICT skills shortage issues and the concept of a greater tertiary-industry partnership.

Includes Refreshments, sponsored by CPIT.

Panellists

Anthony Thomas - Sector Manager, ICT - Canterbury Development Corporation

Anthony has both worked and studied internationally from 1992 through to 2009. He completed an MBA at the University of Bristol in 1999 following which has held roles with a focus on collaborative strategies with the Commonwealth Secretariat (London), Virgin (Sydney) and News Digital Media (Sydney). Anthony joined CDC in February 2009 as ICT Sector Manager.

Judith Speight - ITT WRKZ Ltd

Judith is a graduate of the University of Auckland; she works across the public and private sectors as a catalyst, strategist and advisor.

Judith is a current councillor for InternetNZ and NACCQ, a director of ITT WRKZ Limited and trustee for Carers New Zealand. At an operational level Judith leads Accelerating Aotearoa, a charitable organization that works with Communities, Government, Education providers and the Private Sector to build New Zealand's competitiveness by improving the digital skills and abilities of New Zealanders.

Historical roles include membership of New Zealand's APEC TEL delegation, Government's Broadband Forum, Minister for Communication's Electronic Commerce Action Team, the Prime Minister's Y2K Task Force, Chairman of the Telecommunications Users Association (TUANZ), member of Internet NZ's Executive Board & Trustee for the e-regions Trust.

In 2007 Judith was recognised internationally with a Champion of Digital Literacy award in Orlando, Florida for her work to address the Digital Divide.

Matt Hoskin, Manager, Relationship Management Team, Immigration NZ

 Matt manages the Relationship Management team within Immigration New Zealand, where he has worked since 2005. A small team, the Relationship Managers assist sectors and employers to find, recruit and retain the skilled migrants that they need. Prior to that Matt worked for Venture Southland, the region's economic development agency, where he set up the regional skilled migrant recruitment and retention programme. Originally from the UK, Matt has degrees in Law and International Relations.

Panel Chair: Mehdi Asgarkhani, Faculty of Commerce, CPIT

Mehdi is currently a principal lecturer (strategic management of ICTs) and academic leader at Faculty of Commerce (CPIT). He is currently the chair of the NZCS Canterbury branch committee and has been previously involved (prior to joining CPIT) in the ICT sector in various roles including, Managing Business Support Services, Business Strategy Analyst; Project Director; and ICT Solutions Consultant.

Mehdi's industry based research includes the effectiveness and the role of ICT solutions within various sectors of the industry (with focus on the public and education sectors), strategic management of technology, ICT governance and strategies for developing closer alliance between the ICT education sector (tertiary) and the ICT industry. He has had numerous publications (both in NZ and internationally) in the strategic use of ICTs in the public sector and tertiary education.

Registration Details:

NZCS Members and Corporate Partners should register below for catering purposes.

Others can register for this event via Credit Card online now by using the link below, or alternatively call 0800 252 255 with your Credit Card details.

NZCS Corporate Partners and approved organisations can opt to pay by invoice by calling 0800 252 255 or emailing attendee and business details through to registrations@nzcs.org.nz. Credit criteria and other conditions apply.