Expo for anyone seeking career advice

EYE-OPENER: Nearly 40 education and training providers are exhibiting this year. PHOTO/FILE

The annual Rotorua Careers Expo is not just for school students but for anyone looking for career advice, organisers say.

Organised by the Rotorua Careers Expo Trust, the free event on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Energy Events Centre is aimed at anyone interested in understanding the skills required now and in the future to enjoy a prosperous career or a thriving business.

Nearly 40 education and training providers are exhibiting this year along with a Rotorua Enterprise Hub which trust chairwoman Sheryl Hewitson said was growing year on year.

"We've seen growth in the Enterprise Hub which sees Rotorua businesses reach out to the public with their training opportunities. There's a really good mix of businesses involved this year and I think young people will really benefit from it."

She said career exhibitions were an important avenue for people to talk to industry workers. "It's great for young people to be able to chat face to face with people already working in the industry to get a real feel for what the job entails."

Ms Hewitson said it was crucial people knew what options were out there, "otherwise how are you meant to know what to do?

"These days, students are overwhelmed with the many choices they have after finishing school. We see it as our job to help them explore their options and find the best fit for them.

"With the changes around Studylink limiting how much funding is available, students can no longer jump from course to course until they find the right one, so it's really important they get as much information as they can before they make a decision."

Over the two days, seminars spanning a range of topics will also give people an insight into what they need to do to be successful, Ms Hewitson says.

"Seminars about how to write a CV, dressing for success, what jobs are out there and how to be a leader, offer advice that otherwise people may not get. Going along to some of the seminars would definitely be worthwhile."

-For more information about this year's Rotorua Careers Expo go to its Facebook page.