Getting Dunedin’s International Students Job Ready

Getting Dunedin’s International Students Job Ready

Dunedin (Tuesday, 28 July 2015) A new Job Ready Programme is being launched to link up Dunedin’s international students with local businesses and employers to retain skilled workers in the city.

“This programme will benefit Dunedin businesses and employers as they will be better able to benefit from the global skills of the more than 3,000 international students studying in the city,” says Enterprise Dunedin’s Export Education Coordinator, Sarah Gauthier.

A Get Connected networking event is being organised on 4 September this year for Dunedin businesses and employers to meet Job Ready Programme graduates.

Dunedin is the first city to pilot the seminar-based programme scheme, developed to support Central Government’s vision in the Leadership Statement for International Education, which sets out how New Zealand can make the best possible use of its international education expertise. Engaging with this labour market will build skills in the workforce and foster wider economic connections between New Zealand and overseas firms.

The programme is supported by Education New Zealand through their Regional Partnership Programme, Enterprise Dunedin (Dunedin City Council), the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic.

Ms Gauthier, says the programme is a win-win, which has been waiting to happen.

“Many international students dream of continuing their careers and lives in New Zealand, but lack the contacts and specific skills for local employment contexts, to help them transition from study to work.

“Meanwhile, New Zealand makes significant investments in growing its international student market, and those who complete their qualifications here represent a fantastic opportunity. In Dunedin, our tertiary institutions educate highly capable students and their internationalised perspectives could help businesses grow into new markets.

“We encourage businesses and employers interested in getting to know Dunedin’s Job Ready talent pool, to get in contact.”

Madison Stumbles, the Programme’s Coordinator, based at the University of Otago Careers centre, is pleased to confirm that the Hon Michael Woodhouse, Minister of Immigration, is the keynote speaker for the upcoming ‘Get Connected’ networking event.

“I encourage Dunedin and Otago businesses, organisations and employers to attend, meet international talent, and support Dunedin’s global education sector.”

-ENDS-

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