Businesses lure young talent to careers expo

An upcoming expo aims to help retain Rotorua's young talent by showcasing the training and career opportunities available in the city.

The Rotorua Careers Expo takes place on May 14 and 15 at the Energy Events Centre - with up to 4000 local school students as well as parents, grandparents, mums returning to work and those just looking for a career change - expected through the doors.

Rotorua Careers Expo Trust chairwoman Sheryl Hewitson said the expo's aim was to educate people on what training and career opportunities were out there.

It will include displays from universities, polytechs and private training providers, as well as a programme of seminars.

She said she was excited there would also be a Rotorua Enterprise Hub, comprising displays by Rotorua businesses.

"They want quality employees, it's a chance to showcase to students the opportunities in Rotorua to work and study," she said.

The expo has been running for more than 15 years and is supported by the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust. The Rotorua District Council has also been part of the organising committee.

Councillor Mike McVicker, the portfolio lead for Economic Growth Strategy, said it was the second year the council had co-ordinated the Rotorua Enterprise Hub.

"Research the council undertook highlighted that our youth were not well aware of the diverse employment opportunities available in this district.

"Our local businesses were also saying that they were having difficulty in recruiting skilled local staff. The Careers Expo provided the council with the perfect opportunity to start bridging those gaps and to strengthen relationships between businesses, and education and training providers."

He said the response from Rotorua businesses had been great with 15 businesses already signed up and others signalling they were keen to participate again next year.

"They recognise the need to retain young talented people in Rotorua to work - or to ensure they return after completing tertiary study, or when they're ready to settle down after working in bigger New Zealand cities or overseas.

"They also see the importance of being able to talk directly to people and explain what skills they're looking for, and the chance to break down any misconceptions about their particular business or industry sector."

Mr McVicker said growing business success and employment skills was one of the seven key goals identified in the council's Rotorua 2030 vision.

For more details see Rotorua Careers Expo on Facebook.