Forging links between employers and pupils

Cromwell College recently played matchmaker to students and employers in the hopes of finding the perfect fit.

More than 100 pupils from the college met employers in a speed dating-style event, in the hopes of finding an employment match.

Beauty therapy, horticulture, engineering, hospitality, trades and more were on offer for pupils to consider for the summer period and long-term future, with some walking away with multiple job offers.

Year 12 pupil Olivia Piebenga said the event had been really helpful and interesting.

Assistant principal Sarah Hill said she hoped the event would forge greater links between employers and the school, and give pupils an idea of the existing opportunities available to them.

LaTouch owner Juliet Kavanagh chats with Cromwell College Year 12 pupils (from left) Olivia...
LaTouch owner Juliet Kavanagh chats with Cromwell College Year 12 pupils (from left) Olivia Piebenga (17), Courtney Longman (17) and Greer Ferguson (16). Photo: Shannon Thomson
"The staffing shortage is huge, it’s massive, and this is a way for businesses looking for people to consider young people."

Teenagers had a lot to offer employers, whether they were looking for full-time or part-time staff, or apprentices, she said.

"We’ve had a number of students offered jobs today, some of them multi offers so they have some decisions to make. We also had some students come along really confused about what they want to do and what pathway they want to take. After having some conversations today they’ve now got a real sense of direction about what they want to do."

The success of the event meant it would become an annual event.

shannon.thomson@odt.co.nz