Last month, the New Zealand Careers Expo was held in Manawatū for the second year running, providing the opportunity for rangatahi (youth) and job seekers to connect with businesses and plan for their future career path.
The significant nationwide event provides benefits for a range of tertiary providers, and businesses, and this year the event attracted over 3000 attendees, 48 exhibitors, and 29 schools with a strong level of engagement from rangatahi.
Participants were engaged throughout the day having meaningful kōrero with businesses and training providers on future opportunities while building valuable connections.
While the focus for the New Zealand Careers Expo was on the region’s secondary school students, there was also also an opportunity after the day session from 5pm – 7pm for parents, whānau, career changers, tertiary students, and job seekers to explore the many career opportunities and pathways on display.
Susan Stokes of DairyNZ was valuable to both DairyNZ as an employer for attendees.
“The New Zealand Careers Expo most definitely met expectations for us. We found the engagement strong, and the venue accessible with a great range of exhibitors,” says Susan.
“Overall we found the event a success with a pleasing number of interactions with students, teachers, and community members,” adds Susan.
The event saw a mix of local and national businesses exhibiting from a wide range of sectors including distribution and logistics, primary industries, tourism, health, and education who were all there to showcase their industries and opportunities available, whether it was work experience, apprenticeships, courses and training, or full-time work.
CEDA’s Business Development Manager Greg Bignall says that the event is a great avenue for local businesses and organisations during a time when the talent and skills pool is tight.
“We strongly encourage businesses to consider signing up for a spot at this event next year, the tight labour market means finding staff is challenging so being proactive, and tapping into our younger generation looking for an entrance into the workforce is a great way to build connections to support and future proof our workforce,” says Greg.
Watch this space for 2024 dates. If you’re interested in being an exhibitor, please get in touch today.
