Young job seekers wowed at JOBfest 2023

Job vacancies from 12 local employers were on offer at this year’s JOBfest, held on Wednesday 6 September at the Bishop Viard hall.

Fifty students and job seekers from Aotea, Bishop Viard, Mana and Tawa colleges, as well as Whitireia, Tupu Aotearoa and the Youth Service, packed out the hall armed with pre-printed C.V.s and mini profiles to leave with employers.

Partners Porirua General Manager, Salā Henry Samia, says there was an amazing vibe at the event with the hall filled with banners, lollies, videos of diggers working, posters, large pieces of underground pipe and keen young job seekers.

“It was great to see some of the young people we have supported into employment at previous events, now behind the employer table. A big shout-out to the SAP Contractors’ team and Darius Lapana who is a Partners Porirua poster boy. Darius brought along his Young Employee Award Certificate, as well as his Level 3 NZQA Qualification and Trade Certificate.”

Groups of students moved around the employers seeing a range of job options and asking questions about different career pathways and employment possibilities.

The two hours flew by and just as quickly as the banners and flags were put up, the pens and water bottles were packed up and the tablecloths tucked away until next time.

Feedback from the employers was overwhelming positive and all met potential candidates for work opportunities within their business. One employer has already contacted a young person who stood out, inviting them to start work with them thenext Monday.

A big thanks the businesses who continue to support developing our rangatahi for the working world – Brian Perry Civil, SAP Contractors Limited, Barber Construction, Seven Electrical, Everiss Contractors, Crown FIL, Bluebridge, JFC, Raranga, Downer, Higgins and Porirua City Council.