Work programmes boost confidence

PaigeToft, of Auckland, learns about careers in the tourism and hospitality industry at a Workchoice Trust day with Hilton Hotel general manager Roger Brantsma. Photo / Ted Baghurst

The Workchoice Trust is filling a gap between employers and prospective employees

Paige Toft and Braden Alsford count themselves lucky when it comes to making career choices. The Year 12 pupils, both 16 but at different schools, already have their career paths mapped out.

Paige, who goes to Auckland's Marist College, wants to travel so she's looking at tourism and hospitality training which will hopefully lead to hotel management. Braden, from Papanui High School in Christchurch, is interested in engineering and wants whatever he does to make a positive contribution to the world.

But they say some of their friends are uncertain about where they want to head after school, partly because although there are lots of employment choices, they are uncertain about the range of jobs in the sectors they're interested in, the best qualifications to have and where to obtain them.

Both Paige and Braden say taking part in careers' programmes run by the country's longest-standing youth employment charity, Workchoice Trust, has helped them clarify what they need to do. In May, Paige joined thousands of other secondary school students throughout New Zealand on Workchoice Day. She spent the morning at a tertiary training provider finding out more about the courses they run and, in the afternoon, visited the Hilton Hotel where she learned about the many opportunities in the industry.

Meanwhile, Braden participated in a new Workchoice Trust programme that aims to address the gap between what employers want and what young people think they want. Life After School was piloted in Christchurch at 13 schools and gave 250 senior students first-hand information from local business leaders about what they're looking for in employees.

Workchoice Trust chief executive Amanda Wheeler says Canterbury was chosen because of its "unique" employment market and the willingness of local businesses and schools to adapt to that. She believes there is no other programme in New Zealand quite like it as the focus is on real-world practical advice.

"Life After School is a practical programme with a focus on vocational pathways. We piloted it in Christchurch because it perfectly complements current local initiatives to combat Canterbury's skills shortages in construction and the trades."

The success of the pilot means Life After School will gradually be rolled out throughout the country from next year. Although it's a one-day programme it leads to continuing relationships between schools and their students and local businesses.

"It's also about raising awareness of issues to encourage fuller discussion and action to support our young people as they transition to the workplace."

Wheeler says Workchoice has long recognised that, despite the best efforts of many schools, there is a wide skills gap between education and employment. The Education to Employment study by global management consultancy McKinsey & Company found a third of employers believe new employees don't measure up to what they need although educational providers rate students more highly.

"That's a huge gap and it says a great report card might take you to the top of the class but it isn't a golden ticket to a job. We also know that many young people have no idea how to market themselves successfully and no understanding of the recruitment process. They don't know about skills shortages, may not realise what one job can lead them into or that careers aren't a 'ladder climb' any more and that it's okay to try a new direction." It comes at a time when youth unemployment is a major issue in New Zealand - as it is globally - with young people three times more likely than their parents to be unemployed. Simultaneously, some industries struggle to find skilled workers. Wheeler says that mismatches could prove disastrous for young people, businesses and the economy.

As well as gleaning recruitment tips, students also heard about industries with staff shortages and the skills needed to make headway in a range of other industries.

Braden came away inspired by his visit to medical engineering company Enztec, saying he can see ways to combine a career with social good. Meanwhile, Paige says her Workchoice Day visit to the Hilton Hotel, where she listened to a speech by Hilton general manager Roger Brantsma, was a confidence-booster.

"It helped reassure me and made me feel more confident about my decision to head in this direction."

Big day out for students

Roger Brantsma, general manager of Hilton Auckland and Hilton Lake Taupo, spoke to students on their Workchoice Day when they visited the Auckland hotel.

What's the biggest misconception about careers in the hospitality industry?
One of the biggest is people believing they are unable to make a full career within hospitality. The scale and variety of work to make a hotel successful means there are plenty of choices. From financial services to managing high-end bar services, there is a career path to suit any interest level.

What was your message to students on Workchoice Day?
Students should ensure they truly enjoy the career path they choose.

With the enjoyment from a job, students will naturally display a passion and positive enthusiasm that will allow them to grow a very successful career.

What was your first job in the industry?
At 16 I started as a kitchen help at a small bistro. But my first true job was at Hilton Amsterdam where I completed a six-month internship to become a part-time waiter.

Being part of a fantastic team and working for one of the most recognised names in the travel industry made me decide to continue a career in hospitality.