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SpeedMeet 2019 concluded on 25 September after the final event was held in Whakatane. The partnership between the Ministry of Education and Got a Trade? Got it Made! Industry Training Organisation members made this annual event the biggest it has ever been with thirteen events held across the country.

 

During this ‘speed-dating’ style event, students got an opportunity to be interviewed by employers. After each mini-interview, the student and the employer noted ‘yes,’ ‘no’ or ‘maybe’.  Employers who participated were from a range of industries – automotive, construction, engineering, health and wellbeing, cleaning, infrastructure, primary industries, retail, service industries, and more.

543 students or jobseekers

90 schools

161 employers

1,693 matches

 

A total of 1,693 ‘matches’ were made across all events which could potentially lead to students receiving an offer of work experience, training, apprenticeship or even employment.

Andrew Saunders, GM Employer Services expressed his appreciation to all Careerforce employer partners who supported SpeedMeet 2019. “It was great to see employers’ commitment to giving young people a chance. The health and wellbeing sectors definitely need an injection of energetic and passionate young people.”

Careerforce employers that signed up to this year’s SpeedMeet include: Geneva Healthcare, IHC IDEA Services, Helen Anderson Trust, Hohepa Canterbury, ISS Facility Services, Keringle Park, and Access Community Health.

“This a non-traditional way of finding future employees. We’re really encouraged by how employers embraced the concept,” said Saunders.

Shawn Taylor, HR Coordinator for IHC IDEA Services shared, “Our organisation had a great time with this event. There was an overwhelming amount of positive feedback and everyone appreciated this chance to connect with students. It was an awesome series of events and we’re looking forward to SpeedMeet 2020.”

There are still significant skill and workforce shortages in the health and wellbeing sectors. Saunders said it is time employers think outside the box in attracting young people into the workforce.