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New Zealand Careers Roadshow a first for the East Coast
Ngata Memorial College, Ruatoria, plays host to career information day
The New Zealand Careers Road Show hit the East Coast in May for the first time ever, giving rural students the opportunity to explore a variety of career options.
Organised by ATTTO School Liaison Willie Toelau, the event was held at Ngata Memorial College, Ruatoria on 12 May, and showcased careers in everything from tourism and hospitality to hairdressing and the Armed Forces.
“We jump at the opportunity for our kids to be a part of anything career oriented, whether that’s participating in an event like this or getting some practical experience,” says Karen McClutchie, Acting Principal at Ngata Memorial College.
The school of 145 has students learning about farming, carpentry, dentistry, hospitality, banking, early childhood, engineering through Gateway and other programmes.
“Being a rural school it is costly for us to travel to events like this, so it’s great that this one has come to us. About nine other schools have come along to visit throughout the day, and they are already asking when the next one will be!”
“Like us, a lot of the visiting schools have large Maori populations, so organising Maori people to present has been key to building a rapport with the kids. It’s a really supportive atmosphere because students can actually stop and talk to someone about what they are interested in; it’s not just a pamphlet pickup exercise,” she says.
“Our students have been so excited to get involved and be a part of the day. Even our year seven and eight students have come along so that’s fabulous – we’re planting the seed nice and early!”
The opening of the event was attended by Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon.
“It is vitally important that people pursue a career of some kind. This Careers Roadshow is an excellent opportunity for our young people to see what is out there, and it’s fantastic that it can be taken to the more remote parts of the country. Some of these students travelled for two or more hours to get to here; that’s commitment and that’s to be admired,” he says.
Ngata Memorial College students welcome the Roadshow crew
Local students find out career information