In an exciting and impactful collaboration, the Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT) team has joined forces with the Careers and Employability team at Toi Ohomai to create valuable opportunities for ākonga (students). This partnership has been instrumental in helping students across various programs prepare for successful careers, particularly in our trades industries .
What the Collaboration Offered
Over the course of the year, this partnership delivered a series of workshops aimed at providing essential career skills and linking students with industry professionals. These workshops took place at regional campuses in Taupō, Tokoroa, and Whakatāne, bringing expertise and practical career advice to local ākonga.
Semester One: Building Foundations
In the first semester, the focus was on getting ākonga ready to take the next step in their careers. The workshops provided hands-on support for creating professional CVs and preparing for interviews. These foundational skills are essential for students to successfully enter the workforce or continue their education.
The Careers and Employability team worked closely with MPTT to ensure that each ākonga left the workshop with a polished CV, ready to impress potential employers. This preparation was a key step toward ensuring that students had the confidence and the tools to move forward in their chosen career paths.
Semester Two: Bridging the Gap to Apprenticeships
In semester two, the collaboration took an exciting turn with stakeholders from various industries coming in to speak with the ākonga. These professionals provided valuable insights into what potential apprenticeship opportunities could look like after completing their studies. By bringing in industry leaders, the workshops gave students a real-world understanding of the opportunities available in their respective fields, offering a clearer vision of what their future could hold.
For many ākonga, this was a unique chance to connect directly with those who could shape their future career pathways. The discussions around apprenticeships also helped students understand what skills employers are looking for and how they can best position themselves for success in their fields.
A Growing Success
Over eighty students took advantage of the opportunities provided through this collaboration. This impressive turnout speaks to the demand for these types of workshops and the eagerness of ākonga to take their careers to the next level. Whether it was refining their CVs, preparing for interviews, or learning more about apprenticeship possibilities, these students were gaining the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their chosen industries.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The partnership between MPTT and the Careers and Employability has proven to be a fantastic way to support ākonga in their career development. Both teams have created a supportive environment where students can gain practical skills and access valuable resources to ensure they are well-prepared for the workforce.
As we look ahead to 2025, the teams are excited about continuing this collaboration and expanding the opportunities available to ākonga. The successes of the past year have set a strong foundation for even more workshops, industry connections, and career opportunities for students in the future.
A huge thank you to everyone involved for their dedication and hard work in making these opportunities available. The collaboration has shown that when teams work together, they can create amazing pathways for ākonga, helping them succeed in the world of work and beyond.
Looking forward to what’s next in 2025!
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