One of the keys to sustaining growth in a region lies in nurturing future talent. That’s why connecting students with industry is an important strategy. Through initiatives like school visits to local companies, we provide invaluable opportunities for students to see how businesses operate and how their education can translate into real-world careers. This supports the talent pipeline that will ultimately benefit both businesses and the wider region.

In August, 23 Business Management students from Otumoetai College took part in a two-hour session at SwipedOn, a leading tech company here in Tauranga. This visit was designed to give the students first-hand insight into the operations of a successful business, while also allowing SwipedOn to engage with potential future talent and inspire the next generation of innovators.

The session began with an introduction by Hadleigh Ford, SwipedOn’s founder, who shared the story of how the company was born from his own need to create a more efficient system for signing people in and out while working on a superyacht. This experience provided students with a deep dive into how an entrepreneurial idea can grow into a global business.

The students also heard from key team members, including product owners Ashlyn and Micah, who described how they work alongside engineering and design teams to ensure the product continues to evolve. Nicole Brooky, SwipedOn’s Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), shared insights into how the company manages its global customer base, while Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Paul discussed the marketing strategies that help bring SwipedOn to potential customers worldwide.

A standout moment came when Rebekka, a former Otumoetai College student, spoke about her own journey from sitting in the same room as these students to becoming an intern at SwipedOn. Now on the verge of completing her university studies, she is set to join the company full-time, highlighting the very real connection between education and employment in our region.

The session concluded with an engaging Q&A where students asked questions about company culture, leadership styles, the production process, and SwipedOn’s approach to corporate social responsibility. The visit wrapped up with a casual lunch where the students had the opportunity to further interact with the SwipedOn team.

This visit exemplifies why building partnerships between businesses and educational institutions is crucial. By offering students a chance to learn directly from industry professionals, we are not only providing valuable experiences but also helping to develop a future workforce that understands the needs of our region’s businesses.