Get involved in career events and the school

Get involved at your child's school by:

• browsing the school's websites
• going to parent–teacher evenings and school events
• talking to your school's career adviser.

Your children can get ideas by attending career expos and job festivals (Image courtesy of Auckland Council)

Career expos bring together universities, training providers, ITOs, polytechnics, Defence Forces and sometimes employers. Most are held between May and August and provide an opportunity for you and your child to gather information on possible career options.

How to help your child make the most of career expos

Suggest to your child that they:

• use our expo planner and have a list of questions to ask training providers
• find career ideas to explore at the expo using our interactive tools
• visit the Careers New Zealand stand at the expo and go to workshops that interest them.

• Interactive tools - use our tools to get career suggestions based on interests, skills and school subjects
• Download the expo planner - helps students get the most from a career expo (PDF - 1.5MB)

After the expo, there are a number of things your child could do:

• talk to their dean or career adviser about choosing the right NCEA subjects for their career interests
• ask their career adviser or Gateway co-ordinator about doing work experience
• speak to people working in the industry that they are interested in.

• How work experience can help with career choices
• A step-by-step guide to work experience

Evening events are often busy because so many parents attend, so be prepared!

• Make sure you know the names of the staff you want to see.
• Take a list of questions and write down the answers.
• Ask the staff what resources are available to you and your child.
• If you don't feel comfortable visiting your child's school, or English is your second language, ask a friend to go along with you for support.
• Make an appointment to see the dean or career adviser later if you don't have enough time to get the information you and your child need.

Schools often have a dedicated career area or classroom with career resources. This area will have resources such as:

• information about tertiary providers, industries, scholarships, apprenticeships and trade training options
• posters, brochures and other resources
• internet access so students can produce their CVs and cover letters, and explore information on the Careers New Zealand website.

 Encourage your child to become familiar with these support services.