Brian Cox
Inspiring Aotearoa's Future Talent
Sharing how you got into your role and why you enjoy it is one of the many ways to inspire young people into careers they may not have considered – “if you can see it, you can be it” has never been more true.
We sat down with Brian Cox, CAD Engineer who volunteers his time as part of a nationwide programme, Inspiring the Future Aotearoa, which connects individuals and businesses with the next generation of talent, encouraging young people to explore different careers.
Why did you get involved in helping to inspire young people into different types of careers?
I’m passionate about encouraging more young people – especially young girls and gender-diverse individuals – to consider STEM careers. There’s a real shortage of diversity in engineering, and I’d love to help change that.
Engineering is challenging, but it’s also creative, exciting, and rewarding. It’s a field where anyone, regardless of their background, can succeed with the right mindset. By sharing my story, I hope to show that STEM careers, including electronics engineering, don’t have to feel intimidating. The world needs more diverse voices in engineering, and it starts by making these fields feel more approachable and fun.
What have been the most rewarding aspects of your involvement?
Personally, I love helping others, especially children, and I always leave those events feeling uplifted. It’s inspiring for the students, but it also inspires me as a presenter. It’s a great feeling to be part of something that lifts everyone involved.
What's the time commitment involved in participating in a programmes like Inspiring the Future Aotearoa, and how do you balance it with your actual work?
Typically, I set aside two to four hours. This includes the event itself, which can last anywhere from one to three hours, plus travel time and a bit of briefing at the start.
Since most events take place during working hours, I usually adjust my work schedule. I’ll either work later in the day or, if it's a half-day commitment, take a half day off. Luckily, my current employer offers unlimited leave and is supportive of community involvement.
How do you think businesses can benefit from engaging with young people through programmes like this?
I think there's real value in supporting community initiatives from a career and branding perspective. Businesses can use these efforts as a marketing tool, much like how employee benefits and programmes like IB (International Baccalaureate) are marketed.
Even if students at these events don’t remember company names right away, years later, when they’re looking for jobs, they’ll recognise those brands. That recognition can lead to candidates applying – even when no jobs are posted – which brings in talent the company might not otherwise have found.
What impact do you think programmes like this have in terms of shaping the future of sectors like engineering in New Zealand?
I hope that exposing younger students to careers in engineering and science encourages them to pursue those fields and choose school subjects that align with them. In the long run, say a decade from now, this could help grow New Zealand’s technical skills base.
Personally, I’d love to see more people becoming entrepreneurs in tech, joining startups, and working in small businesses that can scale. While it’s a long-term investment, I believe it will benefit the country by fostering innovation and growth in technical sectors.
What advice would you give to other businesses or professionals considering getting involved?
I strongly encourage anyone interested in giving back to the community to get involved. It doesn’t have to be in engineering – whatever your field, you can inspire others by simply sharing what you do.
Interested in inspiring the next generation of talent? Find out more.
