Teens get helping hand on the way to work

Each year, about 160,000 New Zealand school pupils have to make the decision on the next stage of their lives, be it more study or entering the workforce.

Careers Expo aims to help bridge the gap between businesses and their potential new employees.

Thousands of young people attending the Auckland Careers Expo today will be looking to their 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, not only in building and construction and not only in Auckland and Christchurch.

The economy is booming, yet statistics show a lot of young people are still not finding work.

Unemployment figures for those aged between 15 and 24 are at unacceptably high levels.

"It's not that young people aren't interested in work," says the director of the Careers Expo, Mark Gillard.

"The problem stems from the crucial transition between school and the workforce".

Pointing to international research carried out by the British Employers and Schools Taskforce, Mr Gillard explains that there has to be an increase in interaction between businesses and young people when the young adults are still at school.

"Their research entitled, 'It's who you meet', found students from all demographics benefited from early interaction and engagement with business, being considerably less likely to end up without a job, outside of training or education".

"In a bid to more effectively bridge the gap between learning and work, we've developed a new interactive 'World of Work' hub.

"It's part of the 2015 Careers Expo to bring job seekers and employers closer together.

"Each year around 160,000 Kiwi secondary school students in years 10 to 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 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?

"Our new 'World of Work' hub takes a close-up look at the top 10 things employers want from potential employees.

"There's how to create a CV, interview tips, long-term marketplace outlook and skills shortage information, and hands-on demonstrations from those in the workplace.

"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 they should take advantage of opportunities to connect directly with future employers.

"Sometimes it's not what you know, but who.

"And it's true that first impressions count.

"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 through about future plans."

• Careers Expo: Auckland 2015 is on at ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, 10.00am - 3.00pm

www.careersexpo.org.nz/auckland-2015