Students get the right advice at expo events
Hundreds of school students from right across the West Coast got a glimpse into their future today at the West Coast Pathways Career Expo.
Over the past two days the expo has been held in Westport and Greymouth with students from most schools across the region attending one of the events. They were able to talk and listen to the more than 40 businesses and training providers who were on hand to lend advice and offer options for future careers.
A highlight was guest speaker William Pike, a New Zealand explorer and known to may primary schools through the annual William Pike challenges which encourages children to push themselves and try something new.
Paroa school student Grace Hahn said it was awesome to meet William Pike for real and hear his story.
“I am having heaps of fun doing the Challenge and it was so cool to meet him for real. He told us to give things a go and he had great stories to tell.”
Ella Mahuika Grey High student said having all the different training and employment people together in one place was really helpful.
“I have some ideas about what I want to do after school, so being able to talk to people directly and get some advice on what I should do next was really great.”
Kayla Hibbs, West Coast Trades Academy Co-ordinator said she must have spoken to over a hundred students during the course of the two days.
“There are so many options out there and jobs on the West Coast for people with the right training. It’s fantastic to be able to get in front of them, share a bit about our story and encourage them to take the next step.”
Tai Poutini Polytechnic Leader Engagement Mequa Hourston says there was a phenomenal turnout.
“There was such a buzz at both events and I know everyone loved talking to the people in the know. Our guest speakers were just amazing. They inspired all of the people listening and a big thank you goes to them for their involvement.
“I’d also like to thank the dozens of people behind the scenes who helped make this major event happen. There was a lot of collaboration, organisation and hard work in the weeks leading up to these events and in making them happen.
“Getting behind the road show is one of the ways we are supporting our community. We are more than a polytechnic: Tai Poutini Polytechnic is an essential part of our community, supporting local events, working alongside local businesses and getting behind local initiatives.”
Tai Poutini Polytechnic led the event along with support from the West Coast Pathways Committee, Grey District Council Mayors Task Force for Jobs, Development West Coast Upskill Project, West Coast Trades Academy, West REAP and the Ministry of Education.
For more information contact:
Mequa Hourston, Leader Engagement
DDI: 03 7699 405 | Mobile: 027 237 5844 | email: mequah@tpp.ac.nz
