Porirua’s second JOBfest geared for success

Porirua’s JOBfest will put employment in the spotlight, connecting senior students and young jobseekers to employers and businesses in the region.

Around 800 people keen to enter the workforce will meet employers on Thursday 17 August at Pātaka to talk about their industry, business or career pathways and how they can apply for jobs.

“Last year’s JOBfest resulted in more than 75 full- and part-time positions being filled, which is fantastic. This year we’re hoping it will be even bigger,” said Partners Porirua Executive Director, Michelle Robinson.

While the number of jobs to come out of this year’s JOBfest isn’t known yet, tomorrow 35 businesses will put real jobs in front of motivated young people.

Councillor Dale Williams has been working with Partners Porirua and has previous experience helping youth into employment. “Transitional support and work experience helps young people to be more reliable, disciplined and productive, and add greater value to our local industries. Team work and ownership from the local community, including schools and employers, is essential to make this happen.”

JOBfest was organised to support the Youth 2 Work movement, which has a goal of ensuring our young people are all ‘earning or learning’. The movement is a joint initiative of Partners Porirua, Porirua City Council, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, businesses, schools and the community.

JOBfest has built partnerships with local businesses and the community and education sector. Several regional and local employers, including Porirua City Council, Downer, Mitre 10, AWF, Westpac and Capital & Coast District Health Board are taking part.

Mayor Tana gave a big shout out to businesses and organisations that are already on board and have recognised the skills of young people here in Porirua.

“There are lots of ways you can help gear our kids up for work – and it’s a chance to promote your industry and invest in your future workforce – by providing anything from a guest speaker or workplace visit through to a training or employment opportunity.”

“It’s also an opportunity to engage with young people in our community who can bring new ideas, enthusiasm and technical skills to your workplace. I’ve been privileged to meet and work with some of our rangitahi in my capacity as Mayor and continue to be amazed at their passion for Porirua and what they have to offer,” says Mayor Tana.

Partners Porirua supports young people and employers through the job application and recruitment process, as well as when they enter the workforce. To find out more about the employing young people in Porirua, call Workforce Development Manager, Jacqui Edwards phone 237 1097 or check out the website youth2work.org.nz.

JOBfest is on Thursday 17 August at Pātaka. It’s open to the public from 1.45–2.30pm (with registered jobseekers and students attending at scheduled times).

ENDS

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