Empowering the Next Generation: Youth Employment event at Joval Place
There is an abundance of local young people who are ready to start in working world and begin to build their futures—but it’s hard to know where to begin.
Inspired by attending a recent youth employment expo for freight forwarding, Yvonne Kessels, NZ Manager from Stockwell International, wanted to help further.
“This event came about through another networking event which the core focus was around making our community a better place and what can we do to contribute. Wiri Business forwarded a flyer to me to participate in the Logistics and Distribution Event run by Hanga Aro Rau – Inspiring the future to give Students a taste of what we do” says Yvonne.
“Following on from this we thought getting businesses involved in sharing their stories with students of Manurewa Hish School (MHS) would be a positive way of everyone getting involved and doing our part for the community.”
In October, Stockwell International pulled together an event showcasing local businesses to MHS students. A group of 10 students came to Joval Place and spent 30 minutes at nine businesses learning the ins and outs of what they do, career stories and how to get started in the workforce.
The students and some of the businesses shared a delicious lunch provided by Wiri Business. All in all, it was an excellent way to build up connections and promote community on Joval Place. Yvonne would love to see more businesses get involved in giving opportunities to youth.
“Anything to help and support our kids when they venture into the workplace has to be good. If you can capture one student by something they saw or heard, then we have succeeded.”
A special thanks to representatives from South Auckland Engineering, Wells Hygiene Systems, Rubbertrack Warehouse, Trade Direct, Don Kyatt, Generator Services, Fluid & General, Digga and Stockwell International.
If you’re interested in youth employment contact [email protected]. There’s a variety of ways you can get involved including:
- Mini showcase: 30-minute overview of your business onsite
- Part day work shadowing: 1-3 hours on the job
- Ongoing work experience: 1 day a week of work experience over a longer period
- Student careers expo: half day at school explaining what your business/industry does
- Career talk: 15-20 minutes overview of your business and industry at school