ZEIL Welcomes Shift To Skills-Focused Universities

ZEIL, a leading kiwi-owned job seeker platform, has welcomed today’s announcement by Universities Minister Dr Shane Reti as a positive and timely first step toward better aligning tertiary education with the skills and capabilities New Zealand’s future workforce needs.

The reforms, which include a new Tertiary Education Strategy, the formation of a University Strategy Group, and a simplified Tertiary Research Excellence Fund, aim to modernise the university sector and ensure teaching and research are more closely connected to industry needs.

Caitlin Langlands, a Senior Manager at ZEIL, says the direction is encouraging.

"This is a great first step toward building stronger connections between universities and the world of work. We’re pleased to see a focus on skills, innovation and making sure graduates are equipped to succeed in a fast-changing economy."

ZEIL has seen increasing demand from employers for graduates who can demonstrate applied skills - from portfolios and micro-credentials to real-world project experience.

"Companies are hiring for skills - and increasingly, for tomorrow’s skills. When students come through with practical experience and digital fluency, they’re able to contribute meaningfully from day one," says Langlands. "It’s one of the clearest ways we can move from brain drain to brain gain."

Langlands points to the rise of AI and ongoing global disruption as key reasons why education needs to stay in step with the evolving job market.

"With AI expected to reshape around 30 percent of current jobs by 2030, and with up to 20 percent of graduates globally not finding work in their first year, it’s essential we help our rangatahi build the adaptability and curiosity to thrive in the changing world. That includes encouraging a mindset of lifelong learning and helping students broaden their skill sets."

"Businesses are investing heavily in AI, and increasingly, they’re looking for graduates who bring not only technical understanding but the curiosity to explore, ask questions and add value. There’s a huge opportunity here if universities and employers continue to work more closely together."

ZEIL supports the Government’s commitment to engaging with students, tertiary providers and industry as further details are developed, and looks forward to seeing continued progress toward a more connected, future-focused education system.

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