Inaugural Otago Careers Festival

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday 16 April 2009

A Showcase Of Career Opportunities - The Inaugural Otago Careers Festival

How to get the job you want – this is the focus of the inaugural Otago Careers Festival, taking place throughout May 2009. Whether you are looking for your first job or seeking a career change, looking to get back into the workforce or wanting to start your own business, the Otago Careers Festival will have an event to suit you. In these challenging economic times it has never been more important to consider a variety of options for the future. The focus dates for events in the Dunedin City area are May 7-21. A range of events will be held during the Festival, including:

• Career Services are holding a number of events during the Festival. These include an Open Day on May 12, 10:30am-6:30pm at Career Services, Evan Parry House. Career consultants will be on hand to advise individuals on various career options and to help direct people to the appropriate resources. A careers exploration workshop for teenagers and their caregivers will be held on May 7, 7-9pm . The workshop is designed to help teenagers find out about various career options and training pathways. Contact Career Services to register – phone 03 4775395 or email fcurd@careers.govt.nz.

• The Coca-Cola Careers Expo is being held at the Edgar Centre from May 17-19. The Expo is designed to target all school leavers, Generation Y and skilled workers looking for a career change. The Expo provides the opportunity for a range of companies, industry groups, employers, training organisations and businesses to connect directly with tomorrow’s workforce. It is a free community event. More information can be found at www.careers-expo.co.nz.

• It is an unfortunate truth that during a recession unemployment increases. The Dunedin Rotary Club is hosting a seminar named ‘I’ve lost my job – now what?’ on May 20 at 7:30pm at the Clifford Skeggs Gallery, 1st Floor, Municipal Chambers. Three inspirational speakers – Bruce Collier, manager Mayfair Theatre; Sandy Nicol, vocational trainer with the Blind Foundation; Richard Joseph, business consultant of Richard Joseph and Associates in conjunction with Polson Higgs – will provide ideas and advice for those facing job losses. Enquiries to Lesley Brook, 03 4677164 or lesley.brook@andersonlloyd.co.nz.

• ‘Dressing for Success’ is the name of an informative and entertaining evening to be held at Shop on Carroll, 10 Carroll Street, Dunedin , on May 21 at 5:30pm , in conjunction with Presbyterian Support. First impressions are very important when it comes to securing a job so the Shop on Carroll staff will be on hand to help you find the perfect outfit to wear to a job interview, as well as sharing their Ten Tips for Success. Enquiries to Chrissy Anderson , 03 4718249.

• Ever thought about running your own business? The Otago Chamber of Commerce is offering a course entitled ‘Be Your Own Boss’ from May 4-15, 9am-4pm weekdays. The course will teach you how to start up and manage a small business. Enquiries to Kim Horrell, 03 4790181, kim@otagochamber.co.nz.

• Further afield, Telford Rural Polytechnic is the place to be on April 28 to find out about career opportunities in South Otago. The meat, timber, hospitality, wool, equine, dairying, mechanical and engineering industries will all be represented and advisors from a variety of employers will be available all day. There will be trade stands from a range of businesses, including Fonterra, SilverFern and Calder Stewart. Enquiries to Telford Rural Polytechnic, Clutha Enterprises or Work and Income Balclutha.

ENDS

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