Talent Central NZ

15/07/2026

As we wrap up the term working with Talent Central NZ, we're incredibly proud to have helped so many young people build confidence behind the wheel and develop practical driving skills that will benefit them for years to come.

For the past 4 years we've been assisting FAHS Feilding High School students build confidence behind the wheel while developing practical driving skills that will benefit them well into the future. We can't wait to continue the programme next term and support even more students on their journey to becoming safe, confident drivers.

A big thank you to Talent Central and Central Energy Trust for making this opportunity possible.

10/06/2026

Talent Central is proud to partner with Massey University’s Children’s University Programme, supporting its expansion in the Manawatū.

Through Te Wānanga Nohinohi ki Te Kunenga Children’s University Massey, tamariki aged 7–14 are inspired to explore their futures and develop a love of lifelong learning. From local activities to hands-on experiences on campus, the programme helps guide their journey from curiosity to capability.

At Talent Central, we are committed to supporting opportunities that empower young people to discover their potential and shape their future pathways.

Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University has partnered with Talent Central to support the expansion of Te Wānanga Nohinohi ki Te Kunenga Children’s University Massey in Manawatū, to help more young people access inspiring learning opportunities and imagine their futures.

15/07/2025

Applications are open for the CET Vocational Bursaries NOW!

Vocational Bursary Applications Now Open!

Central Energy Trust, in partnership with Talent Central, are now accepting applications for 2025 Vocational Bursaries - supporting students who are entering a trade or vocational pathway and planning to stay in the Manawatū or Tararua region.

Key Details:

🧑‍🎓 Must be a NZ citizen or permanent resident

📍 Must live and study in the Manawatū/Tararua region

💼 Must be Year 12 or above, employed or have identified employment

📝 Application must include a CV and references from school and employer(s)

🎤 Shortlisted applicants must be available for an interview on Friday 31 October 2025

🎓 Successful applicants are expected to attend the CET Bursary Awards Ceremony

Value: Up to $4,000 over two years

Applications close 5:00pm, Tuesday 30 September 2025

For full info and to apply, visit: centralenergytrust.org.nz/bursaries



📸 Pictured from left to right: Margaret Kouvelis, Christine Jones, and Mark Wootton (CEO of Talent Central)

02/12/2024

18/07/2024

As part of inspiring young people about their futures after school, Talent Central leads Industry Visits, taking students to get a close up look at different businesses and industries. These hands-on visits give students ideas about what future career and employment opportunities are available to them.

We recently had a great opportunity to take a group of Feilding High School students to get a close-up look at the Te Ahu a Turanga - Manawatū Tararua Highway project. This huge 11.5km roading project is due to be completed in mid-2025, and over the past 3 years has employed an large labour force.

Students with an interest in Engineering and Infrastructure were welcomed by project leaders on site. They then got to drive through and walk part of the site, getting an idea of the scale of the work, as well as the wide variety of roles involved in such a large project. This included a chance to get hands on, under supervision, with some of the machinery being used.

Industry visits like this provide a great opportunity for young people to see what an industry/business is all about, ask questions, and be inspired about their pathway from school into the world of work.

15/07/2024

Our latest newsletter can be found on our website on the link below.

15/07/2024

Talent Central's focus is on supporting young people to successfully transition from school into further education or employment. As part of this we offer schools both driving lessons and Forklift training to add to student's employability skills. This training is offered by our training partner AllTrain Ltd.

Achieving both a Restricted Driver's Licence and a Forklift Licence contributes to young people's skills and confidence development, as well as enhances their employability.

Many businesses that we work with highlight the benefits of one, or both, of these licences for young people wanting to secure employment. This is outlined by one of our business partners Tracgrip.

"A student that puts themselves out there, knows the meaning of an honest day's work, and who has the right attitude to get their Restricted Driver's Licence and their Forklift Licence, demonstrates to an employer their initiative and drive to give things a go. It also increases their exposure to, and awareness of, Health & Safety regulations, which is directly relevant to understanding a workplace environment".

AllTrain Ltd FAHS Feilding High School Tracgrip Hydraulics & Equipment Ltd

12/07/2024

A group of Year 10 students on a visit to Massey Sport and Exercise and Earth Science had a chance to test their skills, examine NZ rocks and find out how they were formed, and see how bird wings work. A fascinating hands on experience for these students to learn about different areas of study that Massey University offers.
A huge thanks to Matt Barnes, Mike Smith, Anja Moebis and Phil Battley for their efforts to create engaging and informative activities for this group of students. Also to Stacey Lane for coordinating the visit to Massey with Talent Central.
Massey University