With nearly $11 billion worth of major projects planned or under development across Southland over the next five years, Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) has an important role to play in developing the skilled workforce the region will need.
From renewable energy and aquaculture to advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure and tourism, SIT is aligning its training with emerging workforce needs to help ensure Southlanders have the skills and pathways to benefit from the jobs and opportunities ahead.
SIT Chief Executive Bharat Guha says the scale and diversity of projects planned for the region make this growth period unlike anything Southland has experienced before.
"The key question we've asked is: what workforce will Southland need, and how much of that workforce can be trained by SIT?"
Major developments include the proposed Awarua Quadrant industrial hub, the Datagrid AI data centre and Tasman Ring submarine cable project, the Victorian Hydrogen plant, Southland Silicon Materials, major wind farm developments, aquaculture projects, the Awarua Alternate Water Supply project, Te Unua Museum of Southland, Space Operations NZ's expansion at Awarua, electricity network upgrades and ongoing investment at Tiwai Point.
Mr Guha says what makes this period particularly significant is that growth is occurring across multiple industries at the same time, creating demand for both construction workers and highly skilled operational staff. Several projects will also require specialist technical skills that are not currently available at scale in Southland.
SIT is well positioned to respond, with existing programmes already aligned with many of the skills employers will need, including engineering, mechanical and civil engineering, information technology (IT), environmental management, aquaculture, construction, project management, and health and safety.
The institute is also exploring additional industry-focused training, micro-credentials and specialist pathways in areas expected to experience strong demand. These include renewable energy and electrical power systems, automation and instrumentation, process plant operations, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, advanced aquaculture, water treatment, refrigeration and logistics.
"Our focus is on working closely with employers so training pathways are in place before labour shortages emerge," Mr Guha says.
To strengthen that response, SIT is proposing a dedicated Southland Major Projects Workforce Programme, working alongside major employers and project developers to better understand future workforce requirements and ensure relevant training pathways are ready.
Potential initiatives being explored include a Renewable Energy Academy, a Data Centre and Digital Infrastructure Academy, an Aquaculture and Marine Training Hub, an Industrial Process and Advanced Manufacturing pathway, and coordinated construction and project management training linked to regional building programmes.
The approach builds on SIT's long-standing role as Southland's vocational education provider, while positioning the institute to respond to new industries, technologies and changing regional workforce needs.
Southland Business Chamber Chief Executive Sheree Carey says Southland has an extraordinary opportunity ahead, with significant investment and new industries coming into the region, but investment alone does not guarantee local economic benefit.
“Education and training will be critical to ensuring Southlanders have the skills to fill emerging roles, and our existing businesses have the capability to compete for new opportunities,” she said.
“Strong partnerships between industry, employers and education providers will be essential to anticipating future workforce needs, building local capability and creating rewarding, long-term careers right here in Southland,” she added.
Mr Guha says the goal for SIT is clear: ensuring Southlanders can access the skills, qualifications and industry connections needed to take advantage of the jobs and careers that will emerge as the region grows.
"This is about creating opportunities for Southlanders. We want to ensure local people have the skills and pathways to participate in the industries shaping our future, while
helping build a workforce capable of supporting Southland's next decade of economic growth."