Expo expands students’ career choices

Te Hana Te Ao Marama Cultural Centre hosted an innovative and highly successful careers expo called Dream Big last month.

Students from Dargaville High School, Ruawai College, Rodney College, Wellsford School and the Kura Kaupapa Ngaringa o Matariki attended.

The Ministry of Education chose the inter-regional venue to connect employers, schools and communities, and the Te Hana event was part of a national careers initiative.

Te Hana Te Ao Marama Cultural Centre chief executive Linda Clapham said the day was amazingly successful, with more than 400 people from iwi, hapu, local community organisations, training organisations, employers, emergency services and NZ Defence services participating.

“The day demonstrated each and everyone’s participation to invest in our collective future – our young people,” she said.

“Our local student graduates are our greatest and most precious resource. It is so important to encourage, engage with and inspire our youth to dream big and assist them to reach their fullest and happiest potential.”

Clapham said many employers commented that this type of hands-on local initiative was long overdue.

“Companies were excited to connect directly with potential apprentices, trainees and employees in a more direct one-to-one situation.”

Te Hana’s carpark allowed students to gauge the size and scale of machinery and equipment brought on site by local civil engineering contractors and sawmills. The Wellsford Fire Brigade fire truck provided much excitement in displaying fire protection clothing and breathing apparatus.

Kaipara Moana Remediation (KMR) had a big presence at the event and together with Kaipara Pest Free NZ, Fisheries and UMS, showcased the employment opportunities available within the fields of environment and conservation.

Tourism and hospitality interests including the high-profile Sculptureum, training representatives including North Tec, an electrical training company, military training organisations, surveying and drone photography, and health providers made up some of the 30-plus exhibitors present.

Te Hana Te Ao Marama hopes the expo will become an annual event.