Next steps beyond school

Next steps beyond

school

There was great feedback following the annual St Andrew’s College Careers Expo, on Wednesday 25 May, which allowed Year 11–13 students to explore options for future study and career pathways once they leave school. “This event always generates lots of conversations, and we’ve been busy since the Expo meeting students, and co-ordinating times for them to go off and visit campuses in the next step in their decision making process,” says Career Counsellor, Richard Webster.

An impressive 24 exhibitors attended the Expo, including seven of the eight New Zealand universities, Ara, and SIT, as well several industry training organisations, private training providers, and representatives from the New Zealand Defence Force, electrical training company ETCO, Zestpeople, and Telford. There were even representatives from Camp America and other gap year providers.

“The Expo was an excellent opportunity for parents and students to be face-to-face with providers and ask questions about the types of courses, accommodation, scholarship options, or potential job opportunities they offer,” he says.

While the University of Canterbury and Lincoln University stands are always the busiest at the Expo, Richard says not everyone is suited to the university environment. “It’s great for students and parents to compare the universities with some of the smaller tertiary providers, whose more hands-on practical courses might be a better fit.”

The Expo is also a good opportunity for Year 11 students to start planning for their future. “It can help them to cement the subjects they need to be doing in Years 12 and 13 to ensure they meet entry criteria for their potential pathway.”

In addition to the Expo, the Careers Department at St Andrew’s provides a range of support for students. Richard provides career counselling, and has a significant amount of information about different options for students to take away.

His Careerwise website also has a host of information, and a fortnightly newsletter to all Year 11–13 students and their families keeps them up to date with news and events, including information evenings held by tertiary and training providers. “There are lots of opportunities for students to be proactive. It’s just a matter of them being aware and getting on board.”

Richard believes parent involvement throughout this decision making process is critical.

“Parents know their children best, and are the number one influence on their decision making. Students want their parents’ reassurance, and we find the more parents know and understand the process, and are on their child’s side, the more comfortable the student is through the transition.”

Students engaged with 24 exhibitors at the Careers Expo, as they considered their future study and careers options.