Event connects people to jobs

Connecting people to jobs and careers was the idea behind Connect15, a joint project between the Stratford District Council and the South Taranaki District Council Mayor's Taskforce for jobs, held in Hawera on Friday and Saturday last week.

"It's about highlighting local opportunities, local employers and training providers who can offer valuable advice to students, entrance requirements, areas of study as well as showing that you don't have to leave Taranaki to find an interesting and fulfilling career." Marcia Haigh, community development advisor for South Taranaki District Council says she was pleased to see students talking to exhibitors and asking questions.

Taranaki is a great place to work, and we want our students to be aware of all the options.

Marcia Haigh, community development advisor for South Taranaki District Council

"It's great to see it all come together," South Taranaki District Council mayor, Ross Dunlop, says the event showcased the great career opportunities in Central and South Taranaki.

Stratford High Student Macey Murray says she enjoyed the opportunity to find out more about a range of careers and industries on the day. Her friend Demi Langton, also from Stratford High, agrees. "It is good seeing the displays and being able to ask questions."

Exhibitor Grant Kobus, programme manager at Taratahi Taranaki, says the event was great to have in the area, in the first half of the year. "This is when students are thinking about the future and we wanted to be here to remind them of how many great opportunities there are in agriculture."