This year, New Zealand Skills & Education College (NZSE) celebrates an incredible 20 years of empowering learners, serving industries, and strengthening communities. Founded in 2004 with just four staff members and 12 students, NZSE has grown exponentially, now operating multiple campuses and offering a diverse portfolio of programs.
“When we started, our focus was IT,” reflects NZSE Founder and Chairman, Brijesh Sethi, “but today, our offerings span Foundational education, vocational training, higher education, and work-based learning. Students have always been the centre of our focus and the reason for our success.” From the first pathway to AUT in 2009 to launching a Bachelor of Business and Information Management in 2023, NZSE has consistently expanded opportunities for learners to thrive.
NZSE’s Executive Leadership Team’s reflections underscore NZSE’s responsiveness to change and commitment to innovation. “When I joined 10 years ago, everything was classroom-based,” shares Martin McVeigh, Group Finance Director. “Now, we offer blended and online learning, ensuring our programmes are accessible.”
“Technology has transformed how we do things,” explains Wendy Liao, Group CEO. “We’ve embedded AR technology in our delivery to support learners and to enhance their skill sets so that they’re ready for the workforce.”
Diversity and inclusion are also key pillars of NZSE’s ethos. “We have staff from 28 nationalities,” notes Jennie Parker, People & Capability Director. “Our campuses serve a wide range of needs, creating real impact within our student-centric communities.” This impact is perhaps best exemplified by the graduates themselves. “Hearing a graduate say they’re the first in their whānau to pursue education is a powerful reminder of why we do this,” says Andrew Brennan, Group Operations Director.
Looking ahead, NZSE remains committed to delivering relevant, impactful programmes. “The sky is no longer the limit—we’re reaching for the stars,” says Martin. As Wendy Liao, CEO, concludes, “At NZSE, we truly value the power of learning. We keep growing, just like our students, every day.”
Join us in celebrating NZSE’s journey of two decades. Watch the Executive Leadership Team reflect on 20 years of growth, challenges, and milestones in this special video.
