The Canvas Tauranga Careers Expo opens its doors next Friday, August 12 and Saturday, August 13 at TrustPower Arena, in what will be the region's most comprehensive expo for students exploring their training, study or career options, and for adults looking to upskill, or change careers.

Hosted by Priority One and The Rotary Club of Tauranga, this year the expo features more than 60 exhibitors.

Priority One general manager – workforce and policy Greg Simmonds says the expo is a fantastic opportunity for both students and their parents to engage with employers and training providers who can assist them with their career decisions.

'The expo is valuable in bringing together local and national training institutes alongside a range of the region's leading businesses to showcase employment pathways. For adults, there are also opportunities to explore a change in career, upskill and make vital connections with local employers,” says Greg.

Informative platform

The Rotary Club of Tauranga organiser Sue Boyne says the expo provides an energising and informative platform for getting informed, making connections and creating opportunities.

'Each year we have students who come along, chose their training institute and, at the same time, connect with a local business that results in them having the connections to secure summer internships and potential inroads to a full-time job at the end of their studies.”

Tauranga Girls' College deputy head girl Lily Pearce attended last year's expo and says it really helped her get a better insight into what she might be interested in doing once she has finished school.

'It's such an awesome opportunity. As someone who didn't really know what they wanted to do after finishing school, it gave me a good insight into what the opportunities are out there.

'I really enjoyed looking around the different universities from all around the country and I was able to talk to all the friendly staff members.”

Showcase pathways

Greg says Priority One sees the expo as a platform to showcase career pathways and the skills employers are looking for.

'Tauranga is growing quality jobs across a huge range of sectors. Canvas Careers Expo helps to profile work opportunities in the region and the training pathways to get there.

'We strongly encourage parents and whanau to attend with their kids to help them make the most of the opportunity to connect with such a large number of employers and training providers,” says Greg.

Exhibitors

Exhibitors this year include universities and vocational training providers from across New Zealand, as well as businesses and industries such as the NZ Defence Force, media and design, the kiwifruit sector, building and construction, tourism, local and central government, engineering, law, agri-tech, health and beauty, Māori business, Fishing, and infrastructure sectors.

Whatever career you have chosen or if you're considering a few, this expo is the opportunity to deep dive into understanding more about potential future pursuits and getting a clear sense of direction.

The Canvas Careers Expo is free to attend and runs 9am-3pm on Friday, August 12 and Saturday, August 13, at TrustPower Arena, Baypark. Go to: www.canvascareers.co.nz