The Star: May 10, 2018

CAREERS EXPO 2018
CHRISTCHURCH 10-12 MAY - Horncastle Arena
Choosing the right
career path is not easy!
Youth need guidance on transition
from school to jobs
Thousands of young people attending the
Christchurch Careers Expo over the next few
days will be looking to their future transition
from school into the world of work.
This is where the Careers Expo presents
an unparalleled opportunity to connect
directly with those most able to provide
guidance and information needed to make
informed choices for the journey ahead.
There are skills shortages aplenty in New Zealand.
The economy is tracking well, yet statistics show
that a lot of young people are still not finding
work, with unemployed aged between 15 and 24
at unacceptably high levels.
Director of the Careers Expo Mark Gillard, does
not believe that these people aren’t interested
in work; he believes the problem stems from the
crucial transition between school and the workforce.
Pointing to international research carried
out by the UK’s Employers and Schools Taskforce
Mr Gillard explains that there needs to be
an increase in interaction between businesses
and young people, when young adults are still at
school.
“Their research entitled “It’s who you meet”
found that students from all demographics benefitted
from early interaction and engagement with
business, being considerably less likely to end up
without a job, outside of training or education” .
Each year around 160,000 Kiwi secondary school
students (years 10-13) make decisions about their
careers and life after school, such as where and
what to study and what they want to achieve in
life. These are huge decisions for young people,
and the more information we can provide to help
make the best choices at this time the better.
Being able to talk to someone ‘on the job’ or from
an industry body can help clarify many of the questions
that sit around the transition into the work
force - What is it really like to work in a particular
sector? What are the costs of training? How long
will it take and will there be a job for me at the end
of my training?
Connecting with tertiary training organisations,
industry groups and future employers, is so important
for young people to do. It is never too early
to start thinking about their future and take advantage
of the opportunity to connect directly with
future employers.
The Careers Expo and The World of Work provide
the ideal opportunity for young people and their
families to scope out the wide range of opportunities
that exist, and to talk about future plans.
JET-Talks provide inspiration
Join us on the hour every hour for a series of JET-TALKS
Including: Inspiring videos, ZM Talent, NZME Media career options
Plus a host of other seminar speakers to infom and inspire!