Sexy Summer Jobs programme proves popular

Sexy Summer Jobs programme proves popular

Dunedin (Tuesday, 6 September 2016) – It’s speed dating with a difference.

On 14 September, a ‘speed dating’ event between students and businesses will launch Dunedin’s Sexy Summer Jobs business internship programme for the 2016/2017 season. The event, to be held at the Otago Polytechnic, will provide an opportunity for students and businesses to discuss opportunities and cement internship placements.

Enterprise Dunedin Business Developer Advisor Chanel O’Brien says the programme meets business needs, creates high value jobs, retains skills and talent in the city and contributes to the economic growth of Dunedin.

Since it started in 2009, Sexy Summer Jobs has involved 84 businesses, creating 300 paid internships resulting in 184 positions.

“Usually one in two interns gets a job after their internship has ended.”

The programme is driven by business need. At this month’s event, small and medium sized businesses enterprise from sectors such as ICT, biotech and health technologies, education and research, creative, primary production, engineering and niche manufacturing, will be able to meet students from the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic to find potential interns for the summer.

This year, 22 businesses will be involved, each having seven minute interviews with students on the night.

Ms O’Brien says, “Staying focused on business needs is key to the success of this programme. We are fortunate in Dunedin to have two highly regarded tertiary providers and we work very closely with them. Sexy Summer Jobs aligns Dunedin’s contemporary businesses with a talented pool of tertiary students creating employment and economic growth in Dunedin.”

Rhys Millar from Ahika Consulting used the programme last season and will participate again this year.

“This is a great service, and really provides us (as a small business) with an opportunity to complete work that otherwise probably wouldn't happen. The work that was completed by the intern was exemplary, reflecting the quality of work which we strive to deliver to clients. She was able to add another dimension to our work - an injection of creativity in amongst the technical know-how of Ahika.”

The 2015/16 season resulted in 46 interns placed in 29 businesses, with 56% of interns employed. Twenty six positions were created in total and of these 17 were new positions.

University of Otago Career Development Centre Manager Jackie Dean says, “We are delighted to be once again involved in the promotion of the Sexy Summer Jobs summer internships. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to not only gain practical experience of a real recruitment process, but in showcasing their skills and experiences to the employers, they stand a good chance of picking up some highly relevant work experience by securing one of this year’s internships.

“We really appreciate the continued involvement of this dedicated group of employers who support this programme and we look forward once more to introducing them to the talented students from Otago University who take part in this valuable programme.”

Otago Polytechnic College of Enterprise and Development Head Lesley Smith says the organisation is delighted the successful programme is running for another summer.

“From the outset, Sexy Summer Jobs has met the needs of both students and employers by providing great employment opportunities here in Dunedin, a good chance of permanent work and the provision of a talented and enthusiastic workforce. We are 100% behind the programme and will again be encouraging our students from across IT, business and design to get involved.”

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