Next Step Magazine - Issue 2 by NxtStep

A mu for St st read u Paren dents, t Teach s and ers!

Proudly partnering with www.schoolconnect.co.nz

Issue 2

NextStep//ISSUE 2

From the Next Step Team

Contents

The team at Next Step was thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive response our first Next Step magazine received. With that, Next Step is excited to bring you our second edition!

The changing face of the youth employment landscape

What is SchoolConnect?

Finding IT at SIT - Southern Institute of Technology

Make a Difference...We Do and So Can You - Fisher & Paykel Healthcare

Click and Connect

Our collective goal is to provide students with insight into life after school, or at the very least, get that inevitable ‘career direction’ conversation between students, their families, careers advisors and friends kicked into gear.

Accounting for Passion - BDO

Igniting the Spirit of Adventure - Spirit of Adventure Trust

We really appreciated the high volume of feedback from the July Next Step, so as per the last edition, fire it our way!

Tip the Scales in Your Favour

Getting Back on Track - New Zealand Career College

Understaffed: the undervalued role of a careers advisor

A Discipline that Galvanised a Career - New Zealand Steel

Waiariki Leaves Legacy For Jason Paul Lougher - Waiariki

Doors Closed on Open Minds

Welcome to Russell McVeagh

Growing the Kiwi Dream - Telford - A Division of Lincoln University

More than Numbers - Deloitte

Putting Kiwis on Top - Zespri International Ltd

Make a Difference in Your Career - TeachFirst NZ

Meet a Globetrotting Graduate - Mainfreight

Having once again partnered with the successful SchoolConnect site, this publication remains firmly at the helm and in touch with the career interests and needs of the New Zealand secondary school population. Next Step once again promises to expose students from all backgrounds to the unlimited study, career and experienceoriented options that exist in today’s fast paced world.

Publisher: Green Door Design Editor: Maddy Gwynne Creative Director and Designer: Magdalena Stanuch SchoolConnect Contributors: Tim Watts and Robert Milne Copywriter: Zita Featherstone Next Step© 2014. Published by Green Door Design Limited. No part of this publication may be replicated, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, internet, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publishers. Green Door Design Limited has put measures in place to ensure the exactness of the information in this publication; however, they accept no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or subsequent consequences. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily endorsed by the editor, publisher, Green Door Design Limited and its related parties.

Interested in being in the next issue of this magazine ? Contact us! For all editorial, advertising or any other queries you may have regarding Next Step Magazine please get in touch.

Maddy Gwynne 09 307 7858 maddyg@greendoordesign.co.nz www.greendoordesign.co.nz Want more info? Go to www.schoolconnect.co.nz

The changing face of the youth employment landscape advisors for their careers advice and guidance. The

Milne School Palmerston North Boys’ High School

world has changed. Technology has changed the way

Tertiary Education

The New Zealand youth of past generations relied on careers fairs, brochures, family, teachers and careers

the youth of today find out about everything, including their careers and study information.

Five years ago we started a journey with GradConnection, changing the way university leavers found their first job. This movement has now grown to change the face of New Zealand’s youth employment and careers education through a range of products that include GradConnection, SchoolConnect, Next Step Magazine and TalentSolutions. This range of products is dedicated to helping young New Zealanders make informed decisions about their future, providing the pivotal link between youth and the variety of study and career opportunities available to them. Next Step Magazine is designed to start a conversation between secondary school students and their key influencers (parents, grandparents, teachers and career advisors). We quickly identified that to start this conversation, we needed a method that was traditional. While students are online every day; at school, at home, on the bus and everywhere in between, a large number of the key influencers in their lives are online in only a limited capacity. NextStep Magazine bridges that difference. Next Step Magazine is unique; it is the only publication in New Zealand that brings print and online together in the youth employment space. We identified this as a critical and essential component of providing quality, accessible and ongoing career guidance to New Zealand youth. There is little value in creating a publication that does not also have the ability to provide dynamic and up-to-date content through an online partner. We believe we have created the perfect partnership with Next Step Magazine and SchoolConnect. The first issue of Next Step Magazine has been an amazing success with outstandingly positive feedback from all corners of the market place: students, parents, grandparents, teachers, employers and industry. The feedback allowed us to improve, grow, develop and engage with a wider range of employers and tertiary education providers. As we grow, we are able to help more young New Zealanders with one of the most important decision in their lives, what is the next step after secondary school.

NextStep//ISSUE 2

Name Robert

Victoria University of Wellington, Bachelor of Commerce and Administration & Bachelor of Science Name Tim

Watts School Cambridge High School Tertiary Education

Victoria University of Wellington, Bachelor of Commerce and Administration & Bachelor of Laws In conjunction with the first issue of Next Step Magazine, we held New Zealand’s first secondary school online careers week, in association with Business New Zealand. Employers and tertiaries from across the country engaged in online forums, with over 2,000 students from Reefton Area School on the South Island’s West Coast, to Dargaville High School north of Auckland, and everywhere in between. We are continuously innovating, using technology, to increase employers and tertiaries presence in New Zealand classroom’s. However, a little bit of the past is always going to be needed to bring together parents, grandparents, teachers and careers advisors, and the secondary school students whose futures they have a vested interest in. The opportunities available to New Zealand youth are both extensive and limited in the same breath. New Zealand has a world-class education sector that provides top qualifications. There are industries and employers that are looking for both entry level and skilled workers. The issue is that there are not enough employers engaged in youth employment, and this is where the largest gains can and need to be made. For New Zealand to have world-class youth employment outcomes, there needs to be greater involvement from employers and industry, in both career education and awareness, as well as direct employment opportunities.

- Rob and Tim Follow SchoolConnect on

What is Navigating your way through the career maze, take the right next step with SchoolConnect. School, university, work, family, friends, assignments, homework, school, polytech, work…the mantra goes on and on. There’s always a lot of pressure at secondary school to do a million things and do them right! But with so many decisions to make, it can be difficult to figure all of them out on your own. There is one site that can make these decisions easier – www.schoolconnect.co.nz. SchoolConnect offers free and comprehensive information about the various options students have when they finish secondary school. SchoolConnect provides unbiased information to students about all the options available, whether they want to continue studying, begin work, or plan their career. It does not try to convince students to go one way or the other; it simply shows them the best options available to them. The website is broken up into three areas:

Study

Careers

Jobs

Study If you’re thinking about continuing your studies after secondary school, the ‘study’ section of SchoolConnect is where you should go. Here you can find out how to further study your preferred subjects, and learn which New Zealand tertiary institutions offer the best type of programme for you. If you want to choose your institute by location, you can do this as well. But don’t limit yourself - the world is there for you to explore it! Studying does not have to end with a student loan to pay off. SchoolConnect has made sure to include all the information needed about the hundreds of scholarships on offer.

Careers Whether you want to pursue your dream career, or just don’t know what you can use your skills for, the ‘careers’ section of SchoolConnect is here to help! This section of the website illustrates an abundance of career possibilities, and offers valuable information on what the careers entail, and how to get there. To further extend a helping hand, under each career path are testimonials from people who have successfully made it in that field of work. This gives a great insight on the highs and lows of each job, and the successful paths the workers took to get there.

Jobs Tertiary study isn’t for everyone and SchoolConnect understands this. Instead of pressuring students into qualifications they have no interest in, we have designed a platform specifically for secondary school leavers who want to launch straight into the working world. Earlier this year, SchoolConnect launched the first ever New Zealand job board dedicated solely to secondary school students and graduates. Whether you’re looking to work part-time, full-time, in a cadetship, or an internship, SchoolConnect has its finger on the pulse of what’s on offer.

Still confused? Have a peek through NextStep and see what takes your fancy. If you’re still unsure – no worries! Check out www.schoolConnect.co.nz and take the free career quiz or ask a question on our forums. We can help you out and suggest options depending on your personality and interests.

Want more info? Go to www.schoolconnect.co.nz

Employers love SIT graduates... “The SIT graduates we employ at SBS Bank always display a number of core skills we require as a business. They’re well rounded in technical skills, well presented and have great communications skills which are vital in any business. ” “As SBS Bank employees, both Kent and Andrew have been very quick to pick up knowledge of the business and were up to speed within a few weeks, which is crucial in our line of work.” Craig Escott SBS Bank Development Manager

Call today or email info@sit.ac.nz SIT Information Technology study options include: certificate, diploma, degree and postgraduate level qualifications

SIT graduates Kent McNamara and Andrew Hanley who are employed in SBS Banks’ Business Solutions team

*Direct material costs apply

www.sit.ac.nz 0800 4 0 FEES

Finding IT at SIT Southern Institute of Technology Bachelor of IT graduates, Kent McNamara and Andrew Hanley developed an interest in computers later in life.

“The SIT graduates we employ at SBS Bank always display a number of core skills we require as a business. They’re well rounded in technical skills, well presented and have great communications skills, which are vital in any business.

After years travelling different career paths, the pair were drawn into the IT industry and both now work at SBS Bank, which was the recipient of Financial Institution of the Year in 2011 and 2012.

“As SBS Bank employees, both Kent and Andrew have been very quick to pick up knowledge of the business and were up to speed within a few weeks, which is crucial in our line of work.”

A born and bred Southlander, Kent initially undertook a career in roofing after his secondary education at Southland Boys High School. His need to explore had him travelling throughout New Zealand for 10 years, working in the trades sector before he returned to Invercargill and gained employment in an internet-based company. It was here Kent’s passion for IT was first ignited.

Kent acknowledges the fantastic support he had from SBS Bank management when starting his job as he still had a couple of months of his degree left to complete. They gave him the flexibility to continue his studies while working at the head office of one of New Zealand’s largest financial institutions.

Deciding that unless he obtained a recognised qualification in IT, his career options were limited, Kent enrolled to study the Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) at the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT).

Learning how to study and retain information Kent explains, is one of the greatest skills he took out of his SIT IT Degree. He says that this skill has enabled him to pick up new initiatives and adapt quickly in the fast-paced financial industry.

Programme Manager, Ken Sutton had an industry-wide reputation and Kent had heard great things about both him and the programme.

Andrew says his career ambitions are to continue with SBS Bank, further develop his knowledge of IT and adapt to changes in the industry.

In contrast, Andrew was born and raised in Auckland where after leaving school he worked for seven years in the New Zealand Customs Service at Auckland Airport. An assessment of his career options left Andrew feeling the need for a change of direction. He decided the rapidly expanding and exciting IT sector was the most inviting career option and sought out IT Degree opportunities. The Southern charm of his Invercargill-born wife, the Zero Fees Scheme and affordable house prices had Andrew hooked and he signed up to study at SIT. The change of career into the IT industry paid dividends when both Kent and Andrew were offered positions as Programme Analysts at SBS Bank halfway through the third year of their SIT IT Degree in 2013. As Programme Analysts Kent and Andrew have the responsibility of developing and enhancing the IT system for SBS Bank, creating IT solutions to meet the business needs of the company and its stakeholders. SBS Bank Development Manager Craig Escott said both Kent and Andrew had fitted perfectly into the banks’ Business Solutions team.

Want more info? Go to www.schoolconnect.co.nz

Engineering

Make a Difference... We Do and So Can You Name

Andrew Partington

Organisation you work for

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Role Product Development Engineer

The American School of Paris (overseas) Tertiary Education University of Canterbury School

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechatronics Engineering Degree

Andrew was an all rounder at school. Being equally good at maths and English made for a hard time deciding what to study at university. After advice from family and friends, he decided to study engineering and found his passion lying within biomedical product development. He now works in his dream job at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, developing devices to treat sleep disorders.

Tell us about your path to becoming a Product Development Engineer? At secondary school, I was equally good at English and history as I was at maths and science, so choosing what to study at University was a very difficult decision for me. I really enjoyed the group project work I did in physics class and was told that I was quite creative. With that in mind, and after a lot of advice from family and friends, I decided to study engineering. I chose to study mechatronics engineering, which gave me a good introduction to the fields of mechanical, electrical, and software engineering, with a large focus on robotics. However, it wasn’t until halfway through my third year at university that I found my passion. I took an elective class called ‘Biomechanical Product Development’, which involved a group project designing a new medical device. Our team worked to develop an improved intubation device that can be used by paramedics to provide air to patients in an emergency situation. This project fascinated me as our work could ultimately be used to save lives. From this point on, I knew I wanted to develop medical devices for a career, and applied to work at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare upon graduation. The degree was a challenge, but all the hard work paid off in the end.

NextStep//ISSUE 2

What does a Product Development Engineer actually do? My role focuses on long term research, developing next generation devices that may be used 5 to 10 years from now. This involves learning about upcoming technologies and experimenting with new ideas. Often I will develop a design or concept and 3D print my ideas to produce a prototype. I then test my prototype in various ways in a laboratory setting to see how well it works.

Tell us about your current job and employer? Fisher & Paykel Healthcare is New Zealand’s largest medical device manufacturer. We are a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of products and systems for use in respiratory care, acute care and the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. I work in the OSA division, which develops devices to treat the sleep disorder ‘Obstructive Sleep Apnea’. This very common, but often undiagnosed sleep disorder is treated by wearing a mask and breathing pressurised air.

What Next? At Fisher & Paykel Healthcare we have internship and graduate opportunities in our Product Development, Process Development and Operations teams throughout every year for Bachelors of Engineering, Science or Technology students in the following disciplines: Mechanical, Electrical/Electronics, Software, Mechatronics, Biomedical, Bioengineering and Physics.

Check out

www.fphcareers.com

As part of our commitment to encourage students to get involved in careers in engineering, science and technology, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare is a founding sponsor of the NZ Robotics Charitable Trust (Kiwibots). To find out more about being involved in Kiwibots go to

www.kiwibots.co.nz

Follow SchoolConnect on

Start your journey to success. Enrol now for 2015.

We make the people who make it unitec.ac.nz 9

Click and Connect A step-by-step guide about how to connect with SchoolConnect.

Kelly, a Year 13 student, has started applying for universities and courses. Kelly’s always been interested in how things work. After talking to her careers advisor, she realises engineering might be her calling. The advisor tells Kelly to check out SchoolConnect, to help her figure out what courses to take at university, where to study and her career options. She follows these simple steps to navigate around the website.

Careers

If you’re not sure what you want to do after secondary school, head to the SchoolConnect ‘careers’ section.

Go to SchoolConnect

Study

If you have followed the above steps, ‘Where to study?’ should now be appearing in your side bar. Kelly clicks ‘Where to Study?’, redirecting her to the ‘study’ part of the website. Here, there is a list of links to universities which offer courses in Mechanical Engineering. She notices the top of the page has a link to Scholarships which she clicks on. She then selects ‘engineering’ in the side bar to read through the engineering scholarships on offer.

This is where you can find info on the various career options available, and whether you need tertiary qualifications to pursue them. Kelly is interested in engineering so she clicks on the drop down ‘industry’ side bar, and ticks ‘Engineering’. Next, she scrolls through the list of careers and Mechanical Engineering catches her eye. Kelly clicks on the option to go through and read an overview of the job.

Jobs

If you think you want to go straight into a job after finishing school or if you want to work part-time while studying; head to the ‘jobs’ section. Kelly thinks it would be a good idea to spend her summer working. This way, she can get a step up and have experience that benefits her CV. Next, she clicks ‘Entry Pathways’ from the side bar, to get info on becoming a Mechanical Engineer. Because Kelly wants to study at university, she clicks on ‘Mechanical Engineering’ in the ‘Study’ option.

NextStep//ISSUE 2

Just to make sure she’s made the right choice she takes the SchoolConnect careers quiz.

Follow SchoolConnect on

We were lucky enough to have a sit down with Hope Barnett, recent graduate student of Massey University and a member of our BDO Auckland crew. We asked what made her choose accounting and subsequently BDO. WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN ACCOUNTING? The first time I came across accounting was in my year 10 Business Studies class. I sat my mock exams for the paper and hadn’t focused on any particular strand of business studies, when we got the results back I got a really good mark for the accounting paper. Through high school I had an amazing accounting teacher who was passionate about the subject and kept me interested and I knew it was what I wanted to do when I left school. WHAT DOES WORKING IN A BUSINESS ADVISORY SERVICES ROLE ACTUALLY INVOLVE? Most commonly I compile financial statements for clients and prepare tax returns. I get to prepare a job from the information the client has given me, hand this over for review and then make changes, prepare the client’s tax return and work on the presentation of the accounts. It is great to see a job through from start to finish. WHAT IS IT LIKE WORKING FOR A LARGE ACCOUNTING FIRM SUCH AS BDO? I love working for BDO! Mainly because of the people. Everyone is friendly and gets along very well, I’ve made amazing friends. I have strong support from my team and managers and always have someone who is willing to help me when I get stuck. There are great opportunities at BDO and they really encourage you in your career path. I have just started my CA program and there are several other people doing the same paper as me. BDO is an awesome place to be because everyone, including the Partners, are very friendly and approachable and it is great being able to interact and have normal conversations with Partners. At BDO at a graduate level we are straight into “real client work” and made to feel like part of the team.

Accounting

ACCOUNTING FOR PASSION

HOPE BARNETT Bachelor of Accountancy Massey University BDO Tower, Auckland CBD

WHAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO AND WHAT ARE THE KEY SKILLS THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED IN YOUR ROLE? I find accounting very interesting and it is what I have always wanted to do, therefore I am quite passionate about it. My dad always told me to find a job doing something that I love so that I never have to feel like I am working! The key skills needed to succeed would be time management, a willingness to learn, numerical and analytical skills. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR ROLE? I enjoy the challenges that come with each different client and the variety of work. It’s a constant learning environment and I am always getting pushed and learning new things. WHAT IS ONE KEY TIP YOU WOULD GIVE TO STUDENTS LOOKING AT A CAREER IN ACCOUNTING? Accounting is definitely a strong career path to pursue. There are so many different things that you can do as an accountant and it is a very fun, rewarding job with lots of variety. My key tip is to be prepared, professional but still be yourself throughout the application process. It’s important that the Firm has a good idea of who you are, to ensure you are the right fit for them, as well as the perfect match for the team they are recruiting for. Interested in working at BDO? We’d love to have you join our team! We have a graduate intake every year, have a look on our website for all the details.

www.bdo.co.nz/careers 11

Adventure

Igniting the Spirit of Adventure If school has you stuck in a rut, sailing off into the sunset will get you motivated again. Developing young people into future well-grounded citizens and leaders, is at the forefront of the Spirit of Adventure Trust’s programme. This is their passion, and there are tens of thousands of people across New Zealand who can vouch for the positive effects the experience has had on their lives.

I learnt so much about myself and it gave me confidence in my ability to lead others. At the same time I discovered my love for the sea – that was pretty special.”

In a letter to the Trust about his students’ experiences, former Director of Sport at De La Salle College, Iain Simms says, “The environment in which the Spirit of New Zealand places students is so foreign that it’s difficult for them to initially comprehend - but this is where the true value of the voyage lies.”

Beth’s comments are like the many thousands of other trainees who have taken part in a 10-Day Youth Development Voyage. “If you get the opportunity to sail onboard Spirit of New Zealand, do it. You will have the best 10 days of your life.”

Beth Humphrey aged 17 from Te Atatu completed her 10-day voyage in May 2013. She loved the experience so much, she has since returned on a Student Trustee voyage as a participant and sailed twice as a Leading Hand (in a volunteer crew position). “My 10 day voyage was such an incredible experience.

Beth Humphrey

The three-masted barquentine Spirit of New Zealand takes young people aged 15-18 to sea on 10-Day Youth Development Voyages. There are also five-day trips for school groups and public sailings.

For more information about the Spirit of Adventure Trust and how to get onboard, visit www.spiritofadventure.org.nz or call (09) 373 2060.

One ship. 40 Trainees. One incredible adventure. A 10-Day Youth Development Voyage onboard Spirit of New Zealand is one of the most defining experiences you can have as a young person. Funding assistance available.

2015 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW www.spiritofadventure.org.nz 0800 4 SAILING (472-454)

Who said classrooms need four walls?

Scales

Tip

Your Favour

Tips to survive in the post school world, succeed and get what you want out of your career. which has Going from a daily routine , to being you for d largely been decide , can be ices cho of k given an open boo st. lea the say to overwhelming of recruitment and Next Step, with the help ir, sat down to Bla careers specialist Jan p you make the hel to compile a list of tips iting chapter of exc t nex best choices for the your life.

Go to SchoolConnect Study Tips

Meet Jan

Set Goals It’s important to set career goals in order to stay on track and remain motivated. If you’re unsure about what you want to do, ask yourself these questions: • What are your goals now? o your research on career options and understand •D what is really involved, is it a good fit for you, are you passionate about it? • What are your goals long term? • How will you achieve these goals? Make informed and thought-out choices The choices you make will be crucial, so have a long hard think before jumping into anything. Most importantly, make sure you are making decisions for yourself and not to please anyone else. Here’s a list of decisions you will be faced with within next few years that you will benefit from thinking about early. • Tertiary Education – If you have decided to go onto further study, shop around which provider best suits your course and your learning style. • Plan - Look towards the future and plan the small steps you will take to get there. As the saying goes, failing to plan is planning to fail. • L ifestyle – Make an early decision on a health and wellness routine. Eating well, regular exercise and a regular sleep pattern will make your time studying or in the working world a lot more enjoyable. nsultant, Jan Blair unsellor, co nce Coach, Co or ma litat High Perfor incipal, faci sellor, ex Pr Career Coun

uitment rience in recr 30 years expe you “invaluable tips, er ov s ha n Ja fer n, and can of ance of being and educatio st possible ch be e th u yo e first cut into th g to give in ak m ed, and positively notic terviewed pile.” in the, ‘yes’, to be

• Attendance to lectures/tutorials/seminars – Never skip these, no matter how hard it is to get out of bed, you never know the kind of important information you could be missing. • Time Management – Allocate different time slots for different things and pour all your energy into it for that set of time. • Maintain family relationships – A family is an important support network, don’t take them for granted. What do employers look for? Employers look for well-rounded, balanced individuals. Read on to find out how you can become the person of choice in the future: • Reasonable academic record and performance - Put the effort in now, so you have no regrets later in life. • Someone that is focused and driven – Once again, it’s about sticking to those goals you’ve created! • Work experience- A part-time job or volunteer position shows employers you have the right work ethic. • Team Player – Employers don’t only want someone with good grades, but someone that can work well with others and is relatable. To become someone that an employer is looking for, make sure you maintain a work-life balance and grab every opportunity that’s handed to you. Make use of your careers department and never be afraid to seek help or guidance if you are finding everything a little too overwhelming.

Wake up every day with the drive to do the best in both yo ur personal and professional lif e and you will ge t to where you want to be.

blair.co.nz

o.nz • www.jan

jan@janblair.c

If you have chosen to go onto further study, it’s important to keep a balance between your study, social and work life. This can be hard to manage at first (especially with a toga party every weekend in first year), but creating a routine that is balanced now, will pay off in the future. Make sure you are maintaining the following things:

kedIn

Find me on Lin

Want more info? Go to www.schoolconnect.co.nz

Education Health

Getting back on track. Study with New Zealand Career College and Gain University Entrance. Not everyone knows what they want to do when they finish secondary school. If you haven’t gained University Entrance into the course of your preference, or are looking for an alternative route into a career, New Zealand Career College (NZCC) has the solutions. Their aim is to foster an environment that promotes confidence and knowledge, giving students an alternative pathway into greater career opportunities. We sat down with Tyler Kerridge and Kimberlee Hohepa, to talk about their experiences with NZCC. Tyler is currently enrolled in the Certificate in Early Childhood Practice, while Kimberlee has completed the Certificate in Health Care Support (Level 4) at NZCC, and is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Health Science in Nursing at Auckland University of Technology (AUT).

Tyler

Kimberlee

What made you consider enrolling in the Early Childhood Education Level 3 course?

Have you been able to apply your skills from NZCC to your course at AUT?

I previously studied at MIT. After that, lots of the boys I studied with chose to go with a trade but I decided to go with Early Childhood Education. I was interested to find out a bit more about what it involved. I want to have kids and be a good dad one day.

I would have been a mess first semester if I didn’t do this course. I couldn’t imagine what I would be like at AUT. I gained a lot more confidence and it’s shown in my work at AUT. I got an ‘A’ in my first assignment and I’m really pleased.

Tyler Kerridg e

What drove you to continue your study with NZCC? I didn’t want to stop there. Why stop there if I could keep going further? My teacher told me she believed in me, and that gave me the extra push I needed.

Kimberlee Hohepa

Where do you see yourself 3 years from now?

In three years, I hope to be a registered nurse, preferably working in the hospital.

What inspired you to do this course?

for University. Ideally, I’ll be offered some part time work with my placement, which will give me some valuable experience.

I never considered being a nurse until late last year. I had a family member in hospital, which allowed me to witness the environment and I liked it. I’ve always enjoyed helping other people. When I finished school, I didn’t know what I wanted to be. I took a gap year and I found that I needed something fulfilling.

What has your experience been with practicum? Do you think this has helped your learning?

What are some valuable lessons or skills that you learnt while studying at NZCC? Through NZCC, I learnt a lot about myself.

Where do you see yourself after you have completed this qualification? I want to go to the next level and prepare myself

I think it has helped me understand my nieces and cousins and their development. I can now see the distinctions between different daycares and understand the differences in structured learning.

I was never an ‘A+’ student at school, but I became an ‘A’ student at NZCC. It really brought confidence out in me and I became more determined. I’d never felt so passionate about something before, NZCC helped me immensely.

What would you say to someone who is considering a career in Early Childhood Education? Would you encourage them to study at NZCC? I would say, “Go for it!” You get to play with toys all day and see kids grow up and transition. You also become quite attached to some of the kids and seeing them off has been so sad! NZCC is relaxed. You get to know the staff and they are very welcoming. The classes are smaller than most institutions, so you get to voice your opinion. In past schools, I didn’t want to put my hand up!

NextStep//ISSUE 2

Follow SchoolConnect on

Understaffed: the undervalued role of a careers advisor We conducted a survey on NZ secondary school careers advisors. With over one hundred responses, we were presented with some of the pertinent issues facing careers advisors and their students with their career preparations. While these are not definitive results, it provides a telling snapshot of some interesting information, which has wide implications for the paths students choose to take when leaving school. Overall, the results indicate that with limited time, careers advisors are relying on traditional, large-scale expos and fairs to engage with employers and tertiary institutions. The trend that stands out is that employer engagement with secondary schools and students could be

considered sporadic at best, while the level of engagementfrom tertiary providers is almost at saturation point. The key question that needs to be asked of those students wanting to continue studying is; are our young students getting a complete and unbiased view of what and where to study? The other question to be asked; are students feeling pressured to continue their studies when they would prefer be looking for employment opportunities?

Time with students per week Time with students per week

The amount of hours careers advisors spend with students per week30

With just over a third of respondents indicating they have less than ten hours a week to engage with students, there needs to be a change. Careers advice and guidance should be a pillar of the education system, as opposed to a secondary job. In our opinion, as a minimum, schools should have one full time resource dedicated to helping our youth make informed, educated and well thought out decisions about their pathways when leaving school. A teacher with only 20 hours per week for careers advice, at a school of a 1000 students, at most gets 48 minutes per year with each student. This is an insufficient amount of time to effectively help students with big decisions about which NCEA

Percentage

It is a scary reality just how little time New Zealand secondary school students spend obtaining careers advice. This isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a reflection of the hard working and dedicated teachers charged with this task, but a sign of how under-resourced they are and the importance of careers advice in the New Zealand schooling system.

20 20

00 00 1-10 31+ 31+ 1-10 11-20 11-2021-30 21-30 subjects to take, what to study, and if they should continue with tertiary studies, or look at joining the workforce. This is the stark reality of the current situation and it needs to change for the benefit of our school students and future workforce.

Want more info? Go to www.schoolconnect.co.nz

How careers advisers engage with Employers The ways students and careers advisors engage with employers 25 The results outline that careers advisors are relying on traditional, large-scale expos and fairs to engage with employers. While this engagement is important, there are a range of other available options that employers are not using to engage with secondary schools and their students.

Percentage

Careers expos and fairs provide a one-off interaction for an extremely limited amount of time.

In order to provide students with more indepth engagement, we are encouraging employers to embrace other offerings that schools and careers advisors have available. Increased engagement, on a more regular basis, will lead to more informed students. An improvement of the engagement by employers will inspire the next generation with real life stories of the rewarding careers available to them.

12%

29%

12%

16%

29%

School Careers Fairs WorkChoice Trust Careers Expo Employers Visiting Schools Employers Hosting Office Visits Gateway Direct Relationship/Networking

What percentage of your What percentage of your What percentage of your students go on to further students go on to further study? Proportion of students reported by students go on to further study?

NextStep//ISSUE 2

11% 7%

7% 5%

3% 0

1-10% 11-20% 31-40% 51-60% Proportion of school21-30% leavers going on to 41-50% further study 1-10% 11-20% 21-30% 31-40% 61%+ 1-10% 11-20% 21-30% 31-40% 41-50% 51-60% 61%+ 61%+

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12%

5% 49% 12% 7% 49% 11%

3% 12% 12%

12% 11%

Percentage

The question needs to be asked; are students 0 choosing further study as a default option as they are not aware of the alternatives?

Students therefore, are left with a limited amount of external information about alternative pathways into the working world and what those careers are.

Percentage

49% of schools reported that just under two thirds of their students would go onto further study at Universities, Polytechnics or Private 40 Training Establishments (PTEs). At the other end of the scale 8% of schools responded that less that 20% of their students who would go onto further education. 30 This is alarming not because higher education should be seen as the privileged path, but because the external career information offered to students is primarily 20 from tertiary institutions rather than careers and employment.

Percentage

schools, who will go onto further study

41-50%

Polytechic's engaging with The percentage of polytechnics Students reaching out to schools

We asked the Secondary school careers advisors to identify which institutions were reaching out and promoting themselves to schools and students.

92%

A massive 94% of advisors identified that Universities had reached out to their schools, while 92% of advisors indicated that Polytechnics had reached out to their students.

Universities engaging with The percentage of universities Students PTE Engagement with Students

The extent to which Private Training Establishments (PTEs) had reached out to schools was ambiguous with 16% of advisors being unsure if it had occurred.

reaching out to schools 16%

94%

Percentage of private training PTE Engagement with Students establishments reaching out to schools

Of respondents, 78% identified with having tertiary liaison officers from Universities attending their schools on a regular basis, giving presentations on their courses and leaving behind a selection of course advise and promotional material. There was a distinct opinion amongst respondents that this was as much marketing, as it was study and career information.

16%

56% 27%

Yes No Not Sure

Summary

Yes No Not Sure

This snapshot of the state of careers advise and external information available to students is alarming. It clearly shows that a significant number of schools and career advisors are under resourced. They are struggling to get engagement from employers yet are inundated by tertiary providers. While it is great that students are fully aware of the study opportunities available to them, it is critical that we increase employer engagement. Employer engagement is key not only for those students looking to join the workforce immediately but also to ensure that when selecting study options (NCEA Level One through to tertiary courses), they are inspired by real world employment stories.

Want more info? Go to www.schoolconnect.co.nz

Engineering

A discipline that galvanised a career

New Zealand Steel is at the forefront of New Zealand’s steel construction industry. They work throughout all levels of the supply chain, from construction and manufacturing, to packing, agriculture and infrastructure. We sat down with Engineering Graduate Emma Brown, who has landed a role with New Zealand Steel and is enjoying the supportive learning environment. Working in the heavy industry has stereotypically been associated with men, but Emma is challenging these stereotypes and showing the boys how it’s done. She puts her success in the industry down to an enthusiastic interest in the way things work and the ability to work well with those around her.

Name Emma

Brown

Current Role

Graduate Process Engineer

Tertiary Education

The University of Auckland

Bachelor of Engineering: Chemical and Materials

Tertiary Qualification:

Why did you choose Engineering?

What is the culture like at New Zealand Steel?

I chose Engineering because I have always been interested in finding out how and why things work the way that they do. Throughout secondary school, I had a natural interest in science and mathematics, so the decision to study engineering seemed like a natural progression.

So far, I have found New Zealand Steel to be a great learning environment. For any questions I have, there are a number of different people I can go to for help, many who have years of knowledge and experience behind them.

How would you best describe your role? My current role is very dynamic. I’m learning new skills and meeting new people constantly. I enjoy the fact that the job changes and presents new problems or scenarios quite regularly. This definitely keeps me from getting bored.

What interests you about New Zealand Steel? Aside from being one of the biggest employers in the country, I first became interested in New Zealand Steel due to the fact the process begins from raw materials, and continues right through to a finished, painted, product. There are multiple processes to learn about on site. Additionally as graduates, we are given the opportunity to develop in areas outside of our technical skill set, such as management, verbal and written communication.

In my time at New Zealand Steel, I have learnt a great deal about the steel making process. At the same time, I have also been immersed in a strong safety and community culture, which I consider to a great first work environment.

What piece of advice would you give to someone considering working in a heavy industry? I think it is important to get to know as many people around you as possible. Whether or not you fit the stereotypical heavy industry character profile, a great deal of work involves interacting with people. Having the right technical knowledge is definitely a factor. However your application of these skills alongside a group of people you are able to work well with, will help you get any job done more effectively.

Our People. Our Strength. 18

NextStep//ISSUE 2

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Accounting

Doors closed on openEmployers: Do you have minds

Youth employment is a significant issue in New Zealand, with youth unemployment high, and large numbers not involved in any form of work or training. While a large number of school leavers go onto further study, a significant proportion do not. The majority of these leavers are looking for employment but find many doors are closed. As a result, many of these young minds get lost in the system.

opportunities suitable fo Leavers?

We conducted a survey to find out the types of opportunities employers have to offer school leavers looking to go straight into the workforce.

The survey results are a reflection of over fifty of New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest employers. While the results show some encouraging signs, there is still a 3% large majority of businesses that will not hire school leavers now, and have no future plans to do so.

Employers: Do you have The question therefore; is how do school leavers opportunities suitable for School looking for jobs engage with a variety of employers? Leavers? Do you have any roles suitable for school leavers?

This graph presents the reality of the current opportunities amongst large New Zealand businesses.

56% 41%

The large majority of survey respondents do not have any positions suitable for the skill set held by school leavers. Understandably, it is difficult for some organisations to hire school leavers, given the nature of the work involved and the specialised training required.

56%

Yes Yes

No Not Sure

Do you Hire School Leavers?

Do you hire school leavers?

36% With only 41% respondents having opportunities for school leavers, on the face of it, it appears the responsibility for school leaver employment is falling largely onto SMEs. This is further highlighted given that only 36% of respondents actually hire school leavers in some capacity. Unfortunately, this only results in approximately 220 full time jobs across these

employers, a small fraction of the school leavers looking for employment. The first step in making progress in youth employment is to ensure that those businesses who have suitable roles for school leavers are actually hiring school leavers, and that they have a strategy in place to increase the volume of students hired.

Want more info? Go to www.schoolconnect.co.nz

How could your policy to hiring How could your policy to hiring What would need to change for your organisation to hire school leavers? school leavers be changed? Qualification required by School school leavers be changed? What level of qualification is required by those that hire school leavers? Leavers 3% 5% 3% 5%

8% 8%

38%

14% 14%

70% 70%

50%

No Change Likely Priority for Workforce & Leaders... Priority for Workforce & Leaders... No Change Likely hip Senior Management Awareness Increased Budget Increased Budget More Time More Time Senior Management Awareness

Shockingly, the results of this portion of the survey reflected that 70% of those that do not hire school leavers, are not likely to in the future. This is partly due to the nature of their businesses either needing staff to have a qualification for specialised roles, such as accountancy or engineering, and that most larger businesses no longer offer cadetships. However, this should not prevent such a large group of employers from initiating a strategy to engage and hire school leavers on some level. The overall positive is that 30% of employers would like to start engaging and hiring school leavers. The biggest hurdle in this change, is the priorities of the organisation and the awareness of the benefits of youth employment brings by senior management. These issues should be easy to overcome and should not prevent businesses from hiring young people. With the wealth of information and resources available on youth employment, a change in mindset through education should be a key first step. The failure to change this mindset will lead to further societal issues around our young people, and the pathways they take in life.

NextStep//ISSUE 2

NCEA Level 1 NCEA Level 2 NCEA Level 3 No Qualification Required

Of those employers that do hire school leavers, 50% are looking for students leaving school with a qualification of NCEA Level 3, while 38% require no completed qualification at all. It may be seen as surprising that 38% of employers require no completed NCEA qualification. This is a reflection of the types of the jobs on offer to school leavers. However, as a society, it is essential that students leave school with a minimum level of reading, writing and numerical skills. While the employers’ wants do not match up with society’s needs, the schooling system should over-deliver on employers’ expectations. The employers surveyed that actively hire school leavers, represented a variety of employers and industries, but were restricted to large New Zealand businesses. The school leavers were hired into similar fields of work, namely customer service and administration roles. Outside of the businesses surveyed the key areas for New Zealand youth employment are in the trades, primary industry and hospitality. These are huge sectors of the New Zealand economy and provide opportunities for school leavers to begin the pathway to a rewarding career.

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How does your organisation engage with school students?

What do employers look for other than qualifications?

Lastly, when we looked at the ways employers engaged with schools, 45% stated they had no engagement with schools at all. This is concerning, as it shows no attempt to reach out to students in order to inspire and encourage them to enter their field of work.

When looking for a school leaver, one thing clearly stands out. Employers are looking for students who have engaged in extracurricular activities. What these extracurricular activities are is secondary to the fact that involvement by students outside of the classroom fosters and builds on the key attributes businesses are looking for in their employees.

They are attributes like team work, responsibility, and communications skills. Regardless of what they are called, it is unanimous that by engaging in team and social environments, students build core skills required by employers.

What attributes do employers look for in School Leavers

Of those employers who are engaging, there was a trend of annual engagement with one or two schools at most through careers fairs or presentations. However it was pleasing that over a quarter of respondents engaged on a regular basis with a particular school, providing mentoring to students.

Employers engaging with Schools

Percentage

51%

52%

49%

52%

55%

Summary

Work Experience Sporting Participation Volunteer Work Community Involvement Clubs & Society Participation

45%

12%

27%

39%

18%

Percentage

School Careers Fairs School Presentations Mentoring of School Students Workchoice Trust Day No engagement

Other

While this survey data sheds light on the interaction between various New Zealand businesses and secondary schools, it is by no means a definitive survey.

The other key trend is that there needs to be a fundamental shift in the way New Zealand businesses view the hiring of secondary school students.

It highlights some key areas for improvement from employers in regards to their interaction with New Zealand school students.

The first step needs to be the education of those business who are open to hiring youth but require more information and assistance. The change of employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mindsets around youth employment needs to be done in a sustainable way, with a long term view to increasing the opportunities for New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youth in the workforce.

Whether it is direct benefit to their business or not, more businesses need to develop an engagement plan with youth, to encourage and inspire the next generation.

Want more info? Go to www.schoolconnect.co.nz

Law Russell McVeagh is New Zealand's premier commercial law firm. We offer scholarships to outstanding school leavers and university students, those who are all-round achievers with top academic results. Our scholars receive comprehensive support including mentoring, financial assistance and work experience. Katherine Sinclair and Isaac Manase are former scholars, now solicitors at Russell McVeagh:

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY LAW?

WHAT DID YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT STUDYING LAW?

At high school I had no idea what it meant to study law, but I was intrigued by the idea of learning about law and how it influences peoples' day-to-day lives.

Law school has a great culture. You study alongside the same people for four years so you get to know them really well, and I now see them in my working life. ISAAC MANASE

WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING THING ABOUT STUDYING LAW?

Learning to read statutes and case law is like learning another language. Once you become familiar with the language, the concepts and ideas start to fall into place pretty quickly. YOU WERE A RUSSELL MCVEAGH SCHOLAR – HOW DID THE SCHOLARSHIP ASSIST YOU THROUGH YOUR STUDIES?

The scholarship provides amazing opportunities. Although the financial support is great, I think the real benefits of the scholarship are the opportunities for mentorship and job experience at a premier law firm.

KATHERINE SINCLAIR

WHAT WAS YOUR CONJOINT DEGREE AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY IT?

Bachelor of Commerce – I wanted a good understanding of how the business world operated and, considering the majority of our clients are Banks or large NZ companies, having an understanding of commerce is invaluable. WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE TO STUDENTS THINKING ABOUT STUDYING LAW?

Try a wide variety of papers. I never thought at high school that I would end up becoming a commercial lawyer, but the commercial papers were the ones I enjoyed most when I got to university.

Applications for the Russell McVeagh School Leavers’ and University Scholarship open in March 2015. For more information on the program visit www.summerclerk.co.nz

www.summerclerk.co.nz 24

NextStep//ISSUE 2

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Agriculture

Growing the Kiwi

Dream Name Sarah Employer

Storey

Kiwi Fertiliser

Tertiary Education

Telford

Certificate in Agriculture; Diploma in Rural Business

Tertiary Qualification:

Telford is a branch of Lincoln University located in the picturesque region of Otago. With over 45 years of experience in training people for the agricultural sector, Telford is the place to be if you’re interested in anything to do with this industry. What makes Telford stand out from other tertiary institutions is small classes and a commitment to providing practical experience that will equip their students for the real world. Telford offers courses in a range of specialities from equine and forestry, to beekeeping and rural business. Next Step spoke to student Sarah Storey who relocated to from Tauranga to Telford to complete a Certificate in Agriculture after hearing great things about the institute. “I went to a careers expo and a Taratahi Taster Camp, but afterwards I was told about Telford and I decided to enrol there instead.” Sarah enjoyed the work experience on various farms and studying for her Certificate at Telford so much that she chose to further her education by tackling the Diploma in Rural Business after she had completed her certificate.

Currently, Sarah is studying part-time for a Bachelor of Agriculture Science via distance learning. Telford allowed her to cross-credit her diploma in order to cut down on the time and amount of courses she has to complete before graduating. She is also working full-time for Kiwi Fertiliser as a Soil Fertility Specialist.

“ My end goal is farm ownership, and

next year I am thinking about taking on a lease block for sheep and beef.” “I made great friends at Telford, and we will often travel to meet up with each other. Telford has good dog training facilities and my time there was really enjoyable. They showed me what I was good at, gave me a taste of the career opportunities available and helped me to focus on those.” Telford is excellent for teaching people the practical components of agriculture and Sarah recommends studying there to anyone who wants to obtain this skill set.

“I found out when looking for employment after graduation, that the mix of studying the science components, learning the business skill set and gaining on-farm experience through my Certificate is what employers were looking for in a farming role.” Sarah went on to gain an internship with Synlait for six months after graduating. Having the urge for an adventure, she then travelled around Australia for six months working on a cattle station. It was here she also took on dog training and travelled around a number of farms on a tailing gang, before she returned home to New Zealand.

Want more info? Go to www.schoolconnect.co.nz

SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT

NZQA Approved Degrees and Diplomas • Hospitality Management • Information Technology • International Business • Tourism Management Three year full scholarships available. See if you qualify at: www.ais.ac.nz/scholarships Student Job Search Centre Study Skills Assistance Location: Mt Albert, Auckland

Study in a Supportive Environment at AIS and gain a Quality Education

For more information Email: enquiry@ais.ac.nz Freephone: 0800 788 392

www.AIS.ac.nz

Find out what’s happening in the youth employment market For all your consulting and research needs www.talentsolutions.co.nz

rSurvey Employe 2014 Report

StudentPulse 2014 Report

Engagin

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condary

Schools

2014 Re

port

NextStep//ISSUE 2

Accounting

les Job A Sathan More Numbers Each year, Deloitte recruits 100 promising graduates into one of their programmes. Graduates are well looked after and are given a buddy to guide them through the process. Michael Bellingham, one of Deloitte’s recent recruits, is reaping the rewards of the programme and looks forward to a successful future in one of New Zealand’s top businesses.

Name

Michael Bellingham Deloitte office

Auckland Tertiary Education The University

of Auckland

We asked Michael some questions How have you found your time at Deloitte so far and how does it fit in with your overall career goals? Deloitte has been a fantastic place to start my career. Working life has been a considerable adjustment from my time at university, but the graduate programme is structured so that you are supported through the transition. If you are finding anything too difficult, there are plenty of places to turn for advice. Deloitte is also supporting me in achieving my Chartered Accountancy qualifications by paying for my tuition and offering workshops along the way. Long term, I hope to spend some time overseas and Deloitte provides a number of opportunities to do this whilst still employed.

Why did you choose accounting? What sparked your interest in numbers? When I started university, I had no idea where my degree would end up. Along the way, I made sure I stuck with papers which spurred my interest, notably Accounting and Tax. Maths has always been something I have enjoyed, but English and Media were my strongest suits, especially in secondary school. I think the accounting career really stood out for me as a place where I could utilise both skills.

www.twitter.com/deloittegradsnz

There seems to be a myth that accounting is all about numbers and data entry but in fact it involves a whole lot of communication skills. We spend a lot of time talking to clients and other members of the team trying to figure out the basis behind the numbers we are working with. Once this is done, we go to work with the numbers, but this is a small portion of the work we do. I spend more time reading than I do using my calculator!

What makes Deloitte a great place to work? Why do you enjoy getting up and coming to the office every morning? The people I’m surrounded by motivate me to come to work and try my hardest. It’s hard not to step your game up when you’re working with some of the brightest people in their field. The huge range of social activities offered, also makes me want to do my best for those around me. It’s a lot easier working with others that you can form genuine relationships with that aren’t confined to the office.

What makes you passionate about your work and what key skills do you think you need to succeed in it? The large range of clients, in terms of industry and size, makes every project you work on unique. Most importantly, I’m solving real world problems for clients from all over New Zealand and overseas. I’m passionate about the work I do because I know how much it’s going to help the clients I work for succeed. The skills you need to succeed are endless, but to boil it down to three, I would say most important is communication skills, secondly time and pressure management and thirdly an honest and up front demeanour with colleagues and clients.

What would be your #1 tip for people wanting to apply for a job in your line of work? Getting good grades at university should be at the top of your priority list, but don’t let this be at the expense of having fun and getting real world experience. Make sure you spend time doing things you enjoy and develop yourself as a person outside of the classroom. Part time jobs, hobbies and travel are essential in demonstrating your ability to juggle multiple tasks, as well as letting employers know that you’re somebody they’d like to sit beside at the office. The general rule is that good grades get you in the interview room, but a well-rounded personality gets you out of the room with the job.

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www.instagram.com/Deloittegradsnz

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Horticulture

Putting Kiwis on Top

Tell us about your career path at Zespri. I started working in the Planning and Supply team at Zespri, co-ordinating the supply of Zespri Kiwifruit to offshore markets. I’ve always had an interest in international business and markets.

Name

Hayden Brewerton

Organisation you work for Role Market

Support Manager

Tertiary Education Degree

Zespri International Ltd

University of Waikato

Bachelor of Laws

Hayden Brewerton is passionate about his work at Zespri and has spent eight years with the industry-leading company. Building on his background in international trade and fresh produce, Hayden is currently Zespri’s Market Support Manager.

What are your day-to-day activities in your role?

What are your career highlights at Zespri so far? I was very lucky to have the opportunity to go on three secondments to Northern Italy for three to six months at a time.

Did you study before starting work? What course and where? I studied Law (LLB) with a second major in International Marketing at the University of Waikato. I was always drawn to international trade/ commerce and have ended up working in that field.

What about before Zespri, where did you work/what roles did you have? Following university I worked for a fresh produce-exporting company based out of Melbourne, Australia. I then transferred to a role in Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand. In that role, I coordinated supply and logistics for customers in Asia.

My day-to-day activities are wide-ranging, but primarily involve liaising with personnel to co-ordinate and execute sales programmes in Australia and Southeast Asia. I’m in constant communication with overseas customers, service providers and marketing agencies. I also deal with New Zealand based procurement and logistics personnel to ensure the right products are delivered to consumers on time.

What made you choose Zespri?

How long have you been in your role?

What next - where do you see yourself in five years?

I have been in my current role since the start of 2014 but have been at Zespri since 2006. I have held five different roles which focused on supply and procurement.

I spent a few years in Zespri’s Global Supply business procuring fruit outside of New Zealand to ensure the Zespri brand is on supermarket shelves year round. Over time this evolved, with my roles becoming more market orientated and involving managing sales with customers.

NextStep//ISSUE 2

I grew up in Tauranga and wanted to live here. With my previous work experience in fresh produce and international trade, Zespri was a top option. The unique structure of the kiwifruit industry and Zespri makes Zespri an iconic New Zealand company.

I want to get further involved in our offshore markets where I’ll be driving sales and growing returns.

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Teach First NZ offers a unique pathway into Secondary teaching for talented individuals who aspire to be future leaders in New Zealand. The Teach First NZ programme is two-years long, but the experience and skills you gain will last you a lifetime. Teach First NZ participants teach in schools serving low decile communities while they are training towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching. The Teach First NZ scholarship covers all of the training course fees and also provides a full-time salary. Rikihana Gurnick calls the town of Paeroa home. After completing a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Auckland, Rikihana joined the Teach First NZ programme in 2014.

Name

Rikihana Gurnick Secondary school Paeroa College Tertiary Education

The University of Auckland, Bachelor of Science degree Current Role Teaching Chemistry at Tangaroa College, Auckland.

Education

Make a Difference in Your Career

Why did you choose the Teach First NZ pathway into teaching? In my teens, I remember seeing a picture drawn by a student illustrating that the key to unlocking poverty is education. It is an image that has never left my mind. Now half way through my first year on the programme, I’ve been able to see first-hand the impact that a teacher can have on educational outcomes for students.

What’s the best thing about teaching? It is such a pleasure to be teaching at Tangaroa College, I’m learning every day from other teachers and from my students. On my first day, I received such a warm welcome. The school, the staff in the Science Department and the students of Tangaroa, were all friendly and eager to find out who the new teacher was. My students are the best part of what I do and no two days are the same. Teaching is an incredibly challenging profession, but the rewards are immense.

What’s the most challenging thing about teaching? The Teach First NZ programme is full-on because you are learning and teaching at the same time, but the best thing about this pathway is that you get to put your learning straight into practice. This involves constantly thinking about how you can improve as a teacher - how you can better connect with your students, and ultimately create better outcomes for them. You grow as a person so quickly, and it is exciting thinking about how much more I have to learn.

A favourite teaching moment? There are so many small victories every day. Like the Year 9 boy who was struggling to understand the concept of measurement using different scales. After just 15 minutes of one-on-one assistance after class, he was able to complete my quiz and get 100% correct. Most importantly, there was a visible boost in his confidence when he grasped the concept.

Lead in the classroom. Lead in your community. Lead in New Zealand. Be part of the Teach First NZ Leadership programme. Find out more at www.teachfirstnz.org, call the team on 0800 TO LEAD or email us at apply@teachfirstnz.org www.facebook.com/teachfirstnz • www.twitter.com/teachfirstnz

Want more info? Go to www.schoolconnect.co.nz

Logistics

MEET A GLOBE-TROTTING GRADUATE Andrew Coulton is a grad who has got what it takes to go all the way in the Mainfreight business. Four years after graduating, he’s based in the Netherlands and about to head to a new role in LA. As Mainfreight grows globally, his story is becoming more typical of the way Mainfreight’s people can experience the business and see the world.

How did you end up in The Netherlands? Mainfreight really values the sharing of ideas and our culture around the world, so there are more and more opportunities to work in other countries. I went in to the interview for the Mainfreight exchange with a simple question to myself, why should they pick me? I did my research about the European business, particularly in the warehousing side of the operation. My findings were quite phenomenal, which helped build a solid case on why Europe was the best move for me – and for Mainfreight.

How has the experience changed you? Name

Andrew Coulton Tertiary Education

The University of Otago Qualification

Bachelor of Commerce Employer

Mainfreight LA

How did you get your start at Mainfreight? After I graduated from Otago with a BCom I joined the Mainfreight team, picking and packing orders which was a great way to get exposure to the business and how it operates. Getting your hands dirty at Mainfreight is an important part of your career path. It builds respect, you learn how to work effectively in a team, and once you prove yourself you get thrown in to lead a team. I was given a team leader role within eight months. This is where I learnt how to take a step back and operate in a more strategic leadership style. From the team leader role I was given an opportunity to work with the business development team in Logistics. This helped me understand the science behind the supply chain, which was always something that interested me. From here I was able to take my operational experience and use it to further understand the business side of Mainfreight; how the profit and loss operated, understanding our cost structuring and how to sell our global supply chain solution to customers.

NextStep//ISSUE 2

Career wise, I’m building my internal network within the Mainfreight group. I now have a solid understanding of our supply chain make-up in Europe and I am pushing myself to improve my analytical skills (which on this side of the world are of higher importance). I’m learning what partnership status looks like with a customer and the hard work it takes to get to that level – and more importantly sustain that level for a long period of time. Creativity is so important here, where the business environment is not as stable as New Zealand. This pushes teams to look for supply chain improvements which are outside of the square. We must surprise current and potential customers with what we can offer, not just go through the motions.

Where to next? I’m about to head straight to Mainfreight LA from here. In typical Mainfreight style, (Ready, Fire, Aim), the actual role hasn’t been defined yet. I do know it will be an exciting move, especially in helping the US team build up the third party logistics business in the USA. From there I’m hoping to become the Branch Manager of one of our state of the art warehousing facilities planned for the US.

What advice would you give to a new grad thinking about joining Mainfreight? I’d say look at the culture side of things. If it fits with who you are as a person and the way we do business is interesting to you, that’s a great start. Culture is a very important part of Mainfreight, so do your research first. Make sure you understand the business and whether it’s the right fit for you. If it is, go for it!

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Kickstart your work experience with an internship - start looking now! New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading internships & graduate employment website.

Start your career search here.

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schoolconnect take the next step Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t decide what to do after school?

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schoolconnect

take the next step Be it Study, Careers or Jobs, take the next step on SchoolConnect!

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