New Careers Fair for Tauranga students

The Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Bongard Centre on Cameron Road. Photo/file

Two of Tauranga's largest tertiary providers will team up to help shine a light on prospective career paths for students.

The University of Waikato and Bay of Plenty Polytechnic will head the an inaugural Careers Fair this month.

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic is currently merging with Waiariki Institute of Technology and is expected to announce its new name in the near future.

The Careers Fair will be held at Tauranga's Bongard Centre on March 23 from 4-6pm.

Dean Howie, employer engagement officer at the University of Waikato, said the fair was about providing students with a valuable opportunity to network with participating organisations and discuss career opportunities and pathways.

"Based on feedback received from students, the University and Polytechnic have joined forces to run a Careers Fair for the first time in Tauranga. The Careers Fair is another example of the Tertiary Education Partnership in action. Our intention is to grow this event and make it a regular annual fixture, especially as the CBD tertiary campus development progresses," Mr Howie said.

Kirsten Crossan, student experience coordinator at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, said the event could benefit both students and industry organisations.

"Participating organisations get the opportunity to raise their profile and offer guidance on what knowledge, skills and experience their industry looks for in graduates. They also get to meet potential candidates for current and/or future opportunities," she said.

Businesses attending so far include ASB, Plant and Food Research Ltd, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, Zespri, Department of Corrections, New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated, IEP (International Exchange Programs) NZ, Westpac, Eve's Realty, CPA Australia and Volunteer Western Bay of Plenty.

It's not too late for local organisations to be a part of the Careers Fair, to do so contact Dean Howie, Employer Engagement Officer at the University of Waikato, on 022 066 9903 or deanh@waikato.ac.nz

Event: Tauranga Careers Fair, hosted by the University of Waikato and Bay of Plenty Polytechnic
Date/Time: Wednesday 23 March, 4-6pm
Location: Level 5, Bongard Centre, 200 Cameron Road, Tauranga CBD
To register visit: waikato.ac.nz/go/careers-fair