Recently, Instep had the privilege of taking Associate Principals and Deputy Principals (AP/DP’s) from our secondary schools across the Western Bay of Plenty on a behind-the-scenes industry tour, giving them first-hand insight into two of our region’s most innovative employers: Winston Wallboards (GIB) and Robotics Plus.

These visits are part of our ongoing mission to strengthen the connection between education and industry, ensuring that school leaders are well-informed about the career pathways available to their students and the real-world skills that today’s businesses are seeking.

First stop: Winston Wallboards (GIB)

A trusted name in Kiwi construction, GIB is a household name known for manufacturing plasterboard products used in buildings across Aotearoa. During the visit to their new, state-of-the-art facility in Tauriko, school leaders witnessed the scale and sophistication of New Zealand’s only plasterboard manufacturer. From advanced automation to quality control and logistics, the team at GIB showcased not only what they produce, but also the breadth of career pathways available, including trades, engineering, manufacturing, health and safety, logistics, and operations management. GIB plays a crucial role in the national building industry and offers a stable, skills-focused environment where young people can build long-term careers.

Next stop: Robotics Plus

A homegrown tech company making waves on the global stage, Robotics Plus is redefining what’s possible in the world of automation and agritech. Based in their new facility in Tauriko, the company designs and builds cutting-edge robotic systems and AI-driven solutions that support industries like horticulture, forestry, and logistics–from fruit-picking robots to autonomous vehicles and smart scanning systems. During the visit, school leaders were inspired by the company’s vision and commitment to future-focused innovation. Robotics Plus offers exciting pathways for students with interests in engineering, robotics, coding, data science, electronics, and industrial design. Their work is a clear example of how technology and agriculture intersect, opening up high-value opportunities right here in our region.

Events like this matter because the AP/DP Day Out are about more than just site visits, they’re about building a shared understanding between the classroom and the workforce. By connecting school leaders directly with businesses, we ensure that the educators guiding our young people’s career journeys are equipped with up-to-date knowledge about where industries are heading and what skills will be most valuable in the years to come.

These connections also help us create a more cohesive regional talent pipeline. When educators and industry work together, we can better align student learning with real-world opportunities, reduce skill shortages, and foster local career pathways that keep talent thriving in the Bay.

As our economy and technology evolve, so too must our approach to education. The more we can bridge the gap between business and schools, the stronger and more resilient our workforce will be.

Want to help shape the future workforce?
If your business is passionate about supporting local talent and creating real-world opportunities for students, we’d love to connect. Reach out to Instep Manager Michelle Clarke to explore how you can be part of building a strong, future-ready pipeline of talent in the Western Bay.