Employment event for young job seekers

Thousands of young people looking for work are expected to attend JobFest at The Cloud in downtown Auckland today. Photo / Michael Craig

Thousands of young job seekers in Auckland are expected to attend JobFest today.

The event brings together young Aucklanders looking for work and around 65 employers that want to recruit.

JobFest, which brings young job seekers face-to-face with employers, was created last year by Auckland Council's Youth Connections and Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED), in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development, CareersNZ and The Tindall Foundation.

The majority of the businesses who attend JobFest with a view to hire young Aucklanders are partners with the Auckland Council Youth Employment Pledge.

"We now have more than 50 pledge partners, which gives me great hope for the future of our city," Auckland Mayor Len Brown said.

"These businesses have committed to employing Auckland's youth talent, drive innovation, and supporting the wider business community to prepare for the next generation of workers."

Pledge partners include Xero, The Warehouse, Hays, Fletcher Building, SkyCity and NZME, all of which are keen to see young people looking for jobs in person instead of a faceless CV.

JobFest 2016 takes place between 10am and 2pm at The Cloud on Auckland's Queens Wharf today. Entry is free for all job seekers aged between 16 and 25. For more information go to www.jobfest.co.nz.