14 July 2014

Job expo to boast 65 exhibitors

Students and job hunters from across Palmerston North and Manawatū will have the opportunity to talk to 65 businesses, organisations and training institutes in one location.

Sponsored by Higgins, Sort It will be held on Tuesday 29 July at Arena Manawatū. It will showcase jobs, careers, study, training and development opportunities available in our region. Massey and Victoria Universities, BNZ, NZ Defence Force, Palmerston North School of Design, Primary ITO, NZ Post, MidCentral Health are some of the many organisations supporting and exhibiting at the Sort it Expo.

Co-organiser, Palmerston North City Councillor Adrian Broad says he’s over the moon with the response from the business community.

“We had hoped for 40 exhibitors but we’re now at 65!”

The full day expo combines seminar and workshop sessions and will bring together corporate employers, business owners, educators and training providers with school leavers and job seekers. Keynote sessions from the inspirational Cam Calkoen and international business builder Simon Barnett will be held.

Sort It stemmed from the success of “Where’s my Job”, an event held in Feilding last year. It is a combined initiative from both the mayors of Palmerston North and Manawatū District.

Supported by Community Engagement manager, Cathy McCartney, and Community Services consultant, James Etuale, they say it’s about helping people to get ahead.

“We want to ensure migrant communities and all people have an opportunity to both develop and contribute their skills to the employment market in our region,” James said.

StudentCity has worked closely with the student associations from Massey University, International Pacific College, UCoL and Te Wananga O Aotearoa on the project. Co-coordinator Bettina Gohl says Sort It is the best step you can take to gain meaningful work or study.

“You’ll gain valuable insights to help you assess career opportunities. You’ll learn what steps you need to take to ensure you’re on the right track.”

Destination Manawatū has provided the Sort It steering group with event management and marketing expertise. Its chief executive, Lance Bickford, says Sort It is a wonderful collaboration opportunity.

“Sort It will be fantastic opportunity for students, graduates, job hunters and new migrants from across the wider Central North Island.”

Sort It is open to everyone.

© Scoop Media