Author :
Ever wondered how someone with no tech background ends up contributing to automation systems or AI tools used by real companies? At Mission Ready, that transformation happens faster than most people think — and it’s what makes our graduates stand out.
The secret is our Mentored In-Work Learning Experience — the MILE. It’s not a mock project or a classroom exercise. It’s your chance to step inside an industry team, work on live challenges, and prove that you can deliver.
Recent Mission Ready candidates have done exactly that. At Foodstuffs NI, they supported automation and developer platforms that help deliver faster, more reliable deployments. At Velis, they strengthened AI caller products and integrations that make workflows smarter. Others have worked with Buzzly to build youth engagement platforms and with Checkmate to simplify compliance processes for Kiwi businesses. These are the kinds of projects professionals tackle every day — and our candidates are right there, learning how to perform at that level.
"One aspect of my Mission Ready experience that I absolutely enjoyed was the hands-on, real-world project work. It allowed me to apply what I learned in a practical setting, build an actual product, and improve both my technical and communication skills. I also appreciated the mentorship and feedback, which helped me grow professionally. Overall, it was a valuable and rewarding learning journey." - candidate feedback
For many, that’s the turning point. You arrive feeling like a learner and leave with the confidence of someone who’s already been part of the industry. You understand how to collaborate, manage timelines, and bring ideas to life — and that experience shows when employers look your way.
"It's a brilliant initiative that benefits both sides, and practical work experience at the end of a course is valuable for the interns themselves to understand what they enjoy or not, and what type of team they're a good fit to, or not. It provides that additional layer of assessment before they jump into the real world. This is a great cause that many companies would stand behind." - Annie Kim, Founder of Airie.
What makes the MILE so powerful is that it bridges the gap between knowing and doing. It’s where curiosity becomes capability, and where people prove that a career shift into tech isn’t just possible — it’s achievable.
No one starts ready to build AI systems or automation tools. But with the right mentorship, structure, and hands-on experience, you get there faster than you expect. That’s what Mission Ready is built for: helping people with drive and curiosity become professionals who can deliver from day one.
If you’re ready to make the shift, the MILE is where it starts — real projects, real teams, and the kind of experience that turns your potential into proof.
And to our incredible sponsors and mentors — thank you. Your time, trust, and guidance turn learning into opportunity. Every project you open up, every conversation you have, helps shape the next generation of tech professionals in Aotearoa. Together, we’re proving that talent grows fastest when it’s nurtured in the real world.