In the dynamic environment of New Zealand Skills and Education Group (NZSEG), where ideas take shape and ambitions come to life, Dr. Neel Pandey focuses on one mission: ensuring every learner succeeds. “Student success starts the moment they walk through our doors,” Neel says. As Group Academic Director for Operations and Research, and a key member of NZSEG’s Executive Leadership Team, Neel works collaboratively across the organisation to align academic strategies with industry needs and student aspirations.
Learner success, according to Neel, is not just about obtaining a qualification. It’s about creating a seamless journey, beginning with guidance from course advisors and continuing with support from dedicated academic teams. “Our academic team is the powerhouse of this organisation,” Neel explains. “They nurture and guide students every step of the way, ensuring they’re ready for the challenges of the real world. Collaboration is key – we work closely across departments to ensure that every learner is supported and every programme remains relevant to workforce demands.”
This commitment to collaboration extends beyond the organisation. Neel and his team engage regularly with industry advisory boards to shape programmes that address real-world needs. “Our graduates don’t just leave with a piece of paper – they leave with skills that employers value,” he says. “We design courses with industry input, offer internships, and create projects that solve real-world problems. It’s about equipping students with the tools to thrive in the workforce.”
Neel’s engineering background has inspired him to expand NZSEG’s offerings, including New Zealand Skills and Education College’s (NZSE’s) Diploma in Engineering (Electronics Strand), and plans for a Bachelor of Engineering Technology. “Engineering is about meeting challenges head-on and finding innovative solutions,” he says. “By introducing these programmes, we’re preparing students to contribute to various industries – from health to transportation – that drive economic growth.”
One of NZSEG’s most innovative approaches is its work-based learning programme, which allows students to earn while they learn. “Your workplace becomes your classroom,” Neel explains. “We work with employers to assess on-the-job tasks, ensuring they align with formal qualifications. This model supports learners by providing immediate, practical experience and gives employers confidence in their team’s capabilities.”
For Neel, the collaborate nature of NZSEG’s work is deeply fulfilling. “We’re constantly learning from each other – our leadership team, academic staff, and even our students. It’s this shared effort that creates truly transformative education,” he says. “And when alumni return to tell us how their studies have changed their lives, it’s a reminder of why we do this.”
As NZSE celebrates 20 years, Neel looks to the future with optimism. “We’re expanding into postgraduate qualifications, growing our engineering and tech offerings, and continuously adapting to meet market demands,” he says. “The goal is always the same: to work together to open doors for learners and ensure they’re equipped for success in an ever-changing world.”
Through his leadership and collaboration with the wider NZSEG team, Neel embodies the organisation’s mission of transforming lives through education—empowering learners to achieve more, grow more, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
