Across Aotearoa, many industries are grappling with the same challenge: finding and keeping skilled talent. Whether it’s engineering, infrastructure, planning, or professional services, the need to build a strong, local pipeline of talent is becoming more pressing. And while there’s no quick fix, one thing is clear – the earlier we support young people to explore their options, the better.

Recently, Beca welcomed over 75 of the regions secondary school students for their annual Beca Careers Day, held in collaboration with Priority One. It was a chance to show what a career in engineering or professional services could look like, but more importantly, it was about offering rangatahi a look at their future and the many pathways on offer.

The morning kicked off with a series of short talks from some of Beca’s younger team members, including mechanical, fire, structural, and landscape engineers. They spoke openly about what drew them to the field, what their jobs involve, and what they’ve learned so far. The students asked thoughtful questions, and it was great to see those conversations continue during the break.

These informal chats were a highlight. It’s one thing to hear about a career path; it’s another to talk face-to-face with someone just a few years ahead of you – someone who remembers what it’s like to be unsure about their own future.

Later in the day, the students visited two of Beca’s project sites – 2 Devonport Road and the Community Hub – where they saw real-world examples of engineering, planning, and collaboration in action. One standout moment was hearing about a smart flood protection design for an underground car park, tailored to the specific needs of the site.

After lunch, students took on an earthquake challenge using spaghetti, marshmallows, and string – a hands-on activity that got them thinking about how buildings move and stay safe. It was a fun way to explore some big ideas in a simple, accessible format.

Why does Beca Careers Day matter? It isn’t just about raising awareness of what businesses in our region do – it’s about opening doors. Many students don’t have engineers, surveyors, or planners in their whānau, and without that visibility, some pathways can feel out of reach.

Creating opportunities like this helps demystify the industry and builds confidence. It also reminds us how valuable it is to keep listening to and nurturing our young people – their questions, their interests, and their futures matter to the health of our region.

If we want our region to thrive, we need to work together to support the next generation into meaningful, rewarding work. That means businesses, schools, communities, and local government pulling in the same direction.

Beca is committed to doing its part – because it’s good for the industry, and it’s good for the region. A strong, inclusive talent pipeline benefits all of us. From what we saw at Beca Careers Day, the future’s in good hands.

If you’re a business that wants to grow local talent and make a real difference, why not run your own Careers Day? Get in touch with Instep Manager Michelle Clarke to find out how you can get started.