1.00pm - By STUART DYE
Career guidance is now available to all New Zealanders 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, with the launch of a new online personal employment development kit.
The Government's KiwiCareers Pathfinder is a free website which can be customised to help people hunt for new jobs or employment training.
Launching the site in
Wellington today, Education Minister Trevor Mallard described it as a groundbreaking step.
"Career information, advice and guidance are the bridge between education, the labour market and employment," said Mr Mallard.
"The introduction of an online programme represents a huge leap forward in the provision of career guidance services."
Pathfinder has been adapted from an Australian online career planning tool, My Guide. It guides the user through steps in the career decision-making process with a range of employment-related articles.
The user completes activities and submits information about themselves, from which potentially suitable career options are generated. Detailed information on options is available, as is a planning exercise to enable the user to explore their next steps.
Users can also create their own individualised profile which can be saved, reviewed and changed over time. People can re-enter Pathfinder at any time to access and update their profiles as their skills develop or interests change.
Mr Mallard said the service would be particularly useful for rural communities, caregivers and others who had difficulty in accessing traditional career information, advice and guidance services.
The customise option meant Pathfinder was suitable for everyone from students or young people making the transition to work, to people who were in employment or without paid work and returning to work.
"Our government is committed to ensuring all New Zealanders have the chance and are given the assistance to reach their full potential in life and work as we believe this is a key to growing our economy and building strong communities," said Mr Mallard.
