Otago Careers Festival Launched

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday 10 February 2009

Otago Careers Festival Launched

The Otago Careers Festival is a new annual event that will take place during the month of May. The Festival will raise awareness of the career opportunities and skill needs of Otago by hosting over 60 events in the region. It will also emphasis the value of workforce development to Otago employers and help individuals gain a wider understanding of what a ‘career’ actually is.

Victoria Bunton of Sequel Events has recently been appointed as the Festival Co-Ordinator for the event. “I believe the timing of the event is extremely relevant to the current economic climate as now is a more important time than any for people to be thinking about their career path.”

The Otago Careers Festival will take an ‘any age / any stage’ approach and is not just targeted at secondary school students and school leavers. Events will focus on a wide range of groups including people in work, job seekers, employers, those returning to the workforce and migrants.

Otago businesses and organisations are currently being contacted to show their support of the festival by holding career-related events during the month. “I welcome any organisation who would like to hold an event during the Festival to contact me as we are aiming to hold as many diverse and innovative events as possible during the month.” Victoria Bunton, Festival Co-Ordinator.

Numerous supporters have already confirmed their involvement with the event including a donation by the Otago Community Trust. The Otago Chamber of Commerce has also announced their commitment to the event.

“The Otago Chamber is pleased to be able to support the Otago Careers Festival, which is an exciting new initiative designed to outline the wide ranging options for people looking to develop their career. The festival is a great way to showcase the opportunities that are available within the local community, and to promote new and interesting employment opportunities. It also gives local employers the opportunity to promote their industry.” John Christie, Chief Executive, Otago Chamber of Commerce.

The festival is being produced by a Festival Steering Group in partnership with the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs. The Festival Steering Group is made up of industry organisations, government agencies, business associations, secondary schools, tertiary training institutions, business support firms, career advisors, local authorities and others interested in career development in and for Otago.

ENDS

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