Trust gives today’s students future career options

Media Release

7 October 2005

Workchoice Trust gives today’s students future career options

The Workchoice Trust is calling for the support of New Zealand businesses to participate in Workchoice Day in 2006. Companies involved provide young New Zealanders with the foundations to make informed decisions regarding their future.

Workchoice Day gives Year 12 school students the opportunity to spend a day at any two organisations in an industry that interests them.

In 2005, 350 companies, 9,000 students and 120 schools took part in the day; in 2006 the Trust aims to increase participating companies to 450 to accommodate student demand from regional areas. Workchoice Day 2006 will take place on Tuesday 16th of May.

Workchoice Day is in its 12th year and has seen 100,000 students involved in learning about their future career options.

Kathy McCombe, Workchoice Trust National Manager is hoping that even more businesses from sectors in need of staff will support Workchoice Day 2006.

“We need to get students focused at an early age on what jobs are available to them in New Zealand. There’s a real shortage of both skilled and unskilled employees in areas such as health, engineering, hospitality, food technology, sciences and even roading and transport. We are all aware of the current labour shortages, and simply ignoring the problem won’t make it go away,” says Kathy.

“Be a smart employer and tap into New Zealand’s future workforce in the early stages of their career-decision making process. Harnessing teenagers’ interest when they are eager and planning their future makes excellent long-term business sense.”

There are 55,000 school leavers on average each year, many of which are unsure of their career path. The Workchoice Trust along with hosting companies aims to give them options and choices for their future.

The Trust was established as a not-for-profit organisation in 1994 by Roger Lampen. It works with high school students and businesses across New Zealand to create ongoing partnerships. The Trust relies on financial support of the business community, as it receives no Government funding.

For more information and to register as a business partner go to: www.workchoice.co.nz

ENDS

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