Expanding career horizons through pioneering research

Expanding career horizons through pioneering Pasifika research

Wellington, 4 November 2016 - Careers New Zealand today released Project Lumana’i – pioneering research that investigates what resources Pasifika young people need to make successful learning and work choices.

With New Zealand’s fastest growing youth population (46.1% of Pasifika people under 20 years old compared to 27.4% for the total population), it’s crucial that this future workforce and their families have access to digital tools and resources that expand their career horizons.

“The research has given us a clearer understanding of Pasifika peoples’ career aspirations, information needs and the channels most effective to support young people. We were also gifted with some rich insights on the perspectives and requirements of aiga (families) and teachers in supporting young people,” says Cassius Kuresa, Chair of Careers New Zealand’s Va Pasifika Network.

“Lumana’i translates to ‘future’ in Samoan, a fitting description for the incredible opportunity Careers New Zealand, our partner agencies, teachers and parents have been given to shape our future workforce by empowering young Pasifika to reach their career aspirations,” says Careers New Zealand CEO Keith Marshall.

“What we’ve learned through the findings will help us create digital resources that excite, engage and raise Pasifika young peoples’ knowledge of the diverse careers and industries that exist today and build their expectation that they can reach these heights. We’re interested in partnering with organisations who want to do the same,” adds Keith.

Careers New Zealand spoke to Pasifika youth from Years 7 to 13, teachers and aiga about students’ study and career aspirations, where they go for information, who helps with their decisions, what challenges and concerns they have and how they want to receive careers information.

Key findings include:

1. Fun, simple, visual resources are more effective for engaging Pasifika young people.

2. Access to Pasifika role models inspire young people.

3. Strong cultural identity matters.

4. Family, friends and community groups have a significant influence on youth and their decisions.

5. Pasifika young people are less likely to choose foundation subjects (English, maths, science)

6. Aiga want to build their digital/IT skills.

7. Youth need to expand their career horizons to be aware of all the career options that are available and how to build pathways to achieve them.

Digital engagement

Most frequent reason to use the internet:

• 54% communicate with family and friends

• 34% reported using the internet for gaming

• 30% searching for information that will help them make decisions.

Type of technology used to access the internet:

• 73% have smart phones

• 22% have tablets

• 38% have laptop computers

• 18% have desktop computers.

Use of technology as a communication tool:

• 72% use social media

• 49% use instant messenger services

• 51% use email and video chat.

“With technology constantly changing and playing an increasing role at home and at work, digital channels are becoming an important avenue that the whole family can tap into for information hether it’s exploring study and job interests, finding out what skills are needed, or where the growth opportunities are, says Cassius.

ENDS

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