Global challenges will impact New Zealand careers

MEDIA RELEASE
22 June 2009

Global challenges will impact New Zealand careers

Career Services international conference to focus on technology

and best work practices in changing economic climate

Major Careers Conference confirms its programme

Keynote speakers and an inspiring programme are now confirmed for the International Careers Conference being hosted by Career Services and endorsed by the International Association for Educational and Vocational Guidance (IAEVG) in Wellington from 19-21 November 2009.

“Transforming Careers – Unleashing Potential will provide a stimulating programme showcasing the changing face of careers from both a local and global context,” says Chief Executive Lester Oakes.

“Discussing the changing face of careers was always going to be a topical focus and an important one for the future workforce. The backdrop of the global economic climate further reinforces the need to have these discussions now,” says Mr Oakes.

“Today’s workforce is truly global, and to reflect this we have developed an international programme with 77 presenters from 12 countries, including Germany, Venezuela, Finland, Malta, Japan, Ireland, Belgium, UK, Canada, US, Australia and of course speakers from around New Zealand who will share their perspectives”, says Mr Oakes.

An impressive line-up of leading international and local career experts, combined with challenging themes such as best careers practice in learning and workplace settings, the role of citizen and community in shaping development and delivery of career practice and policy, technological advances and realising the potential of indigenous and migrant communities are aimed at inspiring debate and discussion.

Keynote addresses include papers from the following experts: Professor Jim Bright, from Australia, is a leading professional in career development and will be speaking on Shift happens, life on the Overlander… His presentation will focus on a new approach to career counselling, advice and career education based on the premise of the inevitability of change.

Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith (Ngati Awa and Ngati Porou), Pro Vice Chancellor Māori for Waikato University will address issues about career planning, leadership and mentoring that are still faced by many Māori and others from culturally different backgrounds.

Lynne Bezanson and Sareena Hopkins, Co-Executive Directors of the Canadian Career Development Foundation (CCDF) will speak about the concept of career resilience.

Dr Ganesh Nana, leading commentator and New Zealand economist with Business and Economic Research Limited, will speak about the changing patterns in the world of work and what the challenges and opportunities are for New Zealand.

“The event provides an excellent professional development opportunity and to discuss the unique set of challenges we face with the rapidly evolving nature of our workforce,” Mr Oakes says. “School professionals, employers, unions, industry representative organisations, HR and recruitment specialists as well as central and local government leaders will benefit from the sharing of new ideas and thinking and the international perspectives right here in Wellington,” Mr Oakes says.

We are grateful to the support of the Ministry of Education, Department of Labour, Ministry of Social Development and Te Puni Kōkiri, together with industry partners Careers and Transition Education Association (CATE) and Career Practitioners Association of New Zealand (CPANZ).

To see the full programme and to register visit www.careers.govt.nz/conference2009 Earlybird registrations close on 31 July 2009.

ENDS

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