Otago Careers Festival Programme Launched

Otago Careers Festival Programme Launched

The Otago Careers Festival launches its 2014 programme of events this week. Over 60 career related events are happening throughout Otago during the month of May as the sixth annual Otago Careers Festival takes place.

Festival events cover a wide range of topics and include workshops, seminars, open days and career expos. The 2014 theme ‘Take charge: make the most of you’ is reflected in numerous events as part of the programme.

“The Festival concept has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2008. This year’s line-up will deliver a fantastic range of events with something for everyone. Of particular interest this year will be the addresses by Geoff Pearman which will consider the implications of an aging workforce in our regional communities. Also of interest will be the Great Debate which will take a light hearted yet stimulating look at the topic ‘Students today have never had better career prospects’. The public of Otago should be prepared to be inspired and take the opportunity to explore what is on offer.” says Festival Chairman, Pete McBeth.

The Festival raises awareness of the career opportunities and skill needs of Otago. It also emphasises the value of workforce development to Otago employers and help individuals gain a wider understanding of what a ‘career’ actually is.

The Otago Careers Festival takes an ‘any age / any stage’ approach and is not just targeted at secondary school students and school leavers. Events focus on a wide range of groups including people in work, job seekers, employers, parents, those returning to the workforce and migrants. All events during the Festival are free to attend.

Festival Co-ordinator, Victoria Muir, urges people to see the full calendar of events on the Festival website www.otagocareersfestival.co.nz as a number of events require registrations. Printed copies of the Festival programme are also available at all Public Libraries throughout Otago.

Festival Background
The Otago Careers Festival is being produced by a Festival Steering Group in partnership with the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs. The Festival Steering Group is made up of industry organisations, government agencies, business associations, secondary schools, tertiary training institutions, business support forms, career advisors, local authorities and others interested in career development in and for Otago. The Festival’s major funders are the Otago Community Trust and Careers NZ.

ENDS

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