To address the skills shortage within the technology industry, Qrious, Spark Business Group’s AI and data analytics specialist has announced the launch of an internship programme for women, Māori and Pasifika.

To facilitate a pipeline of local talent into high-demand technology careers in the data analytics industry, Qrious has launched the $1 million Data Academy.

The programme is set to provide one year of on-the-job training, mentoring and a pathway to permanent employment for up to 20 people per year in Auckland and Wellington in late 2022.

Qrious’s Data Academy programme comes after NZ Tech research found that less than three percent of the people in the tech workforce were Pacific people.

Four percent are Māori and 27 percent are women in the tech industry.

“The accelerated pace of digital transformation of New Zealand businesses has created a perfect storm, with demand for highly skilled talent in technology far exceeding availability,” says Evan Wilson, Qrious Head of Data Innovation.

“We know that the technology sector – particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics – is set for exponential growth over the next few years, and we want to play our part through an industry-leading programme that encourages, nurtures, mentors and upskills the next generation of New Zealanders.”

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Qrious has decided to work towards creating more diverse and inclusive teams in the tech world as it has been proven that it leads to improvement in effort and staff are 20 percent more like to remain loyal to their employer.

It is also proven that team collaboration and commitment increases by 50 percent in a diverse and inclusive workplace.

“We need people from diverse backgrounds who might not have considered a career in tech to join us on this journey,” adds Wilson.

“At Qrious, we have a strong view that while there is a skills shortage in the industry, we also need to tackle an opportunities shortage – so this Academy focuses more on creating opportunities and developing career pathways into technology.”

The programme is set to help participants on a pathway to permanent or fixed term employment in roles such as Data Analyst, Data Engineers or a Business Intelligence Developer.

Participants could see a starting salary of at least $60,000, which is 15 percent higher than the average graduate salary in the industry.

People interested in applying for the programme do so here.