Increased Student Job Search service

12 July 2005

Funding boost and increased performance prompts increased Student Job Search service

Tukituki Member of Parliament Rick Barker, officially opened the new full time, year round Student Job Search office for Hawke’s Bay, situated at the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) at a ceremony last night.

Mr Barker said “We hope that through an even better Student Job Search service here in the Hawke’s Bay students will be exposed to the range of employment opportunities within the region, and that their student loans are not so be as to exclude the possibility and opportunity to stay on after graduation to contribute to the economic and social fabric of this community.

This is particularly important as many of the local students who use Student Job Search in fact study at universities, such as Massey and Otago universities located outside the Bay.”

Mr Barker said “This government is committed to increasing the opportunities for young New Zealanders engaged in study to gain exposure to the real workplace, while at the same time providing skilled and energetic workers to fill labour and skill shortages.”

The new service is due in part to extra government spending, and to increased performance in the region. Over the last summer, students in the Hawke’s Bay generated $1.2 million in earnings, whilst during the in-term (1 March to present) students have earned $248,000, an increase of 48% from the same period last year.

Over the past year, new jobs have increased from 584 to 1154, proving the potential of the Hawke’s Bay as a growing economic centre. Students have worked across a large number of industries, further contributing to the growth of the region.

Student Job Search works towards the Government’s tertiary education strategy of developing work-ready graduates for the 21st Century, by aiding students in finding work that is directly related to their course of study, and encouraging the development of work skills.

Student Job Search is a non profit organisation, which is funded by both student associations and the government via Studylink, and provides a free service to both students and employers alike. Student Job Search particularly assists small to medium sized businesses, and provides support to regions and industries with acute skills shortages.

ENDS

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