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Visiting 150 schools in a 6 month period is all in a day’s work for Willie Toelau, ATTTO Northern Region Schools Liaison Officer.

Willie’s role involves working closely with Gateway Coordinators to establish suitable programmes for their students, and to help organise work placements into industry. 

He also works closely with Tourism teachers, giving dynamic classroom presentations about the career options in Tourism, and organising industry visits so that the students can see first-hand what it’s like to work in the industry for a day.

Since beginning with ATTTO in June 2008, Willie has established a wide network of contacts in the Northern Region, and regularly participates in career nights, expos and regional road shows, designed to spread the word about training and careers in the Aviation, Tourism, Travel and Museums industries.

Willie believes that the most important aspect of his role is to make students aware that education is vital for their future.

“My role is not just about promoting Tourism, it’s about promoting career pathways for students. I am a New Zealand born Samoan, which has been useful when talking to schools with large Pacific Island numbers. I understand the pressures that these students are under, and being an ex Rugby League player, I find I can relate to the students and keep them engaged.”

Willie is currently organising year 9 and 10 student visits to Air NZ Engineering, Gas and Turbine Hangars. “Air New Zealand is a great example of a company that believes in exposing young people to the realities of the work environment, so that they are aware of what subjects they should take to start their desired career pathways.”

Willie says the best aspect of his role is being able to work with youth and meet so many teachers.

“My goal is to provide excellent service to schools and students, to make ATTTO stand out above all other industry Training Organisations!” he says.

Willie in action at the 2009 Vahefonua Tonga O Aotearoa Education and Training Expo in Auckland,  where he met Georgina Te Heuheu, Minister of Pacific Island Affairs and Associate Minister of Maori Affairs.

Willie with then Prime Minister Helen Clark at the 2008 Vahefonua Tonga O Aotearoa Careers Expo in Auckland.

Willie Toelau
Northern Region Schools Liaison Officer
Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Rotorua, Taupo, Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay, East Cape.
027 282 5103