August 2025 – Leading recruitment company Talent today announced the evolution of its decade-old social enterprise, now operating under the name Rise by Talent, to address the rapidly changing entry-level employment landscape and critical skills shortages in the technology sector.

The rebrand from Talent Rise to Rise by Talent coincides with a strategic shift to meet growing demand for diverse tech talent as artificial intelligence transforms traditional career pathways. With Australia requiring 1.2 million additional tech workers by 2030 and education gaps in New Zealand, the initiative scales proven approaches to unlock untapped potential in underrepresented communities.

Proven track record of impact

Over the past decade, the program has demonstrated measurable success in bridging diversity gaps in technology careers:

• Australia and New Zealand combined: Thousands of lives changed through comprehensive employment pathways
• New Zealand specifically: 136 rangatahi graduated, achieving a 93% employment success rate
• Industry recognition: 2025 NZ Hi-Tech Award winner for Best Contribution to the Tech Sector

“The landscape is changing and so are we,” said Mark Nielsen, CEO of Talent Global. “After 30 years in recruitment, we know talented people get locked out just because they don’t have the right connections. Rise by Talent takes everything we’ve learned about what employers actually need and applies it where it’s needed most.”

Addressing critical skills gaps

Rise by Talent specifically targets the intersection of three major workforce challenges:

1. Skills shortage crisis: Australia’s need for 1.2 million additional tech workers by 2030, with proportional shortages across New Zealand
2. Entry-level transformation: AI reshaping traditional career pathways, requiring new approaches to workforce development
3. Diversity deficit: Systemic barriers preventing Indigenous, Māori, and Pacific Islander talent from accessing technology careers

In New Zealand, where only 30% of the population holds bachelor’s degrees or higher, Rise by Talent sees 70% untapped potential in communities historically underrepresented in tech sectors.

Innovative Program Design

The initiative goes beyond traditional diversity programs by providing:

• Skills-based training focused on capabilities AI cannot replace
• Real work experience with technology companies committed to inclusive hiring
• Cultural confidence development alongside professional skills
• Genuine career pathways rather than short-term placements
• 6-month fully funded internships leading to permanent employment opportunities

Kara Smith, Managing Director of Talent New Zealand, emphasizes the cultural authenticity of the approach: “We are a local Aotearoa business with a diverse team and the resources of a global market leader. This combination allows us to provide deep understanding of local talent markets while fostering genuine pathways for rangatahi in both recruitment and technology industries.”

Scaling proven success

Unlike traditional corporate diversity initiatives, Rise by Talent is backed by Talent’s unique funding model where the company covers all operational overheads, ensuring 100% of external funds raised directly support participants. This approach has enabled consistent program delivery and measurable outcomes over a decade.

The program’s flagship Hawaiki Tech initiative in New Zealand exemplifies this comprehensive approach, providing 12-week employment readiness programs with over 200 hours of training, 80 hours of work experience, and direct placement support with technology companies.

Industry partnership model

Rise by Talent works exclusively with employers committed to authentic diversity rather than quota-filling exercises. Partner companies gain access to:

• Motivated talent with proven work ethic and cultural confidence
• Diverse perspectives that drive innovation and improve profitability
• Skills-ready candidates prepared for roles AI cannot replace
• Ongoing support ensuring successful long-term placements

“Traditional grad programs are stuck on repeat – same schools, same networks, same surnames,” noted Megan Woodbury, COO of Talent. “We’re using our position in the industry to create real pathways for people who have the talent but not the networks.”

Future expansion plans

Building on proven success, Rise by Talent plans continued expansion across both Australia and New Zealand, with particular focus on:

• Regional program delivery beyond current Auckland and Wellington operations
• School pathway programs introducing technology careers to younger students
• Enhanced industry partnerships with technology companies committed to inclusive hiring
• Knowledge sharing initiatives to inspire sector-wide change

The evolution to Rise by Talent represents more than a rebrand – it signals a strategic commitment to scaling impact as the technology landscape continues its rapid transformation.