City youngsters get a taste of work

Peter Harington, Scion research nursery manager, chats to Tumamao George, 12, Gordon Preece, 15, and Caleb Nikora, 13 as part of Got A Trade week. Photo / Ben Fraser

Rotorua's youth got an on-the-job experience at Scion as part of Got A Trade Week.

The week, which took place at the end of August, was part of a national campaign to raise awareness of apprenticeships and careers in New Zealand's trades and services in partnership with industry training organisation Competenz.

Scion, Rotorua's Crown Research Institute, opened its doors to young people interested to learn more, spokeswoman Christl McMillan said.

"We've put the programme together to appeal to their career interests. They will see the number of disciplines that are involved.

"We are exposing them to part of our lab space and they will be listening to a presentation from research leaders and forest managers."

Rotorua Intermediate student Tumamao George enjoyed the experience.

"It's pretty cool, and very interesting checking it all out."

Rachel Hopkins, chairwoman of Got A Trade Week, said it was important to get youth skilled in trades and services.

"The 2014 Talent Shortage Survey, conducted by Manpower Group, shows that engineers, technicians and skilled trades are among the top-five jobs employers have difficulty filling. Globally, skilled trades are the highest in demand," she said.

"And with more than 34,000 young New Zealanders, a fifth of people aged 16-24 years, not currently working, studying or training, too many school leavers are not developing the skills they need to compete in the workforce.

"Only 30 per cent of school leavers go to university. This event is about show casing the opportunities that exist out there for the other 70 per cent."