Inspiring the workforce of tomorrow

AMY RUSS

The upcoming ‘Future of Work’ conference showcases what the workplace of tomorrow looks like for local young people. Inspiring them to become part of the region’s future, the hugely successful event gives young people the opportunity to discover a purposeful pathway into their future and support students whether they are headed to university, into trades, or still exploring their options.

Offering a range of future-focused fields to explore, the workshops are designed to bring young people together, open their minds to new ideas and new experiences for their potential careers, and set them up well to make good decisions.

First showcased in 2019, the event is a brainchild collaboration between the Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough and the Marlborough District Council. Unique to the region, the con- ference begins with a day of inspiring speakers for Year 11-13 college students before opening its doors to their families for an evening in the fully Interactive Workstation Zone between 5pm and 7pm.

To be held at the ASB Theatre and

Marlborough Events Centre on June 14, the day’s Future of Work speakers include a guest line-up of some of the country’s brightest champions for youth.

Mental health advocate, awardwinning film director and bestselling author, Jazz Thornton has dedicated her life to speaking hope and creating change in the area of mental health through her organisation Voices of Hope. Following her own battle with mental illness, her unique experience and practical message has gained worldwide recognition, being shared through media, international speaking engagements and through a feature documentary film, ‘The Girl on The Bridge’.

Jazz will be the keynote speaker for the day, as well as hosting workshops at the event alongside the founder and managing director of The Attention Seeker, Stanley Henry.

Stanley leads the team at a highly successful Creative Agency specialising in personal branding. Born and raised in South Auckland, Stanley had dreams to make it out of the cycle he and his four brothers had been born into. Unfortunately, he found himself living up to the stereotypes, dropping out of uni and running away to Australia. After 12 years of uncertainty, upheaval, and growth, Stanley returned to Aotearoa and set up his own multi-million-dollar business.

Lucy Blakiston, Riki Welsh and Te Wehi Wright will be inspiring students during the day with their animated anecdotes, moving speeches and fresh perspectives on life.

Lucy is the CEO of a Gen Z media company called Sh*t You Should Care About. A former Marlburian, Lucy is a writer, community manager, podcaster, TikToker, tweeter and Instagrammer whose company has a social following of over 3.6 million people.

Riki is the Chair of the Pacific Youth Leadership and Transformation Council (PYLAT). Sa-