Secondary School Students Converge to Explore Career Options

Secondary School Students Converge to Explore Career Options at Open Day

Seven hundred secondary school students flocked to Bay of Plenty Polytechnic’s Windermere Campus today to participate in their annual Open Day.

Schools from around the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and as far away as Opotiki, Hauraki Plains, Whitianga, and Rotorua attended the event, all on a quest to explore future careers options.

Candice Herbst, a Year 12 student from Matamata College made the most of the day attending information sessions as well as getting a taste of campus life. “I’d really love to be an actor but it’s pretty hard to get a job in this area, so I’m exploring other career options today.”

As well as attending information sessions about the comprehensive range of courses and scholarships available through both the Polytechnic and the University of Waikato, students were entertained by local radio stations and local DJ Brutus Powers – of Sophistafunk Music. In between lectures students could try their hand at the inflatable boxing ring, make wax casts of their hands or take part in singing and dance competitions.

Keeping with the ‘hands on’ style of learning synonymous with polytechnics, students were urged to explore the workshops, kitchens and design studios to see student learning in action. The hairdressing students showcased their talents in a ‘hair up’ competition while all students got their fill of free pancakes from the University of Waikato tent or free lunch from Eurest, the onsite caterers.

Maggie Hope, Polytechnic Marketing and Communications Manager, was delighted to see students making the most of the day. “All of our programme information sessions were incredibly busy with many overflowing with students. The diploma to degree pathways programmes offered through the partnership in Tauranga were of particular interest to the year 12 and 13 students. Students are definitely starting to realise both the financial and social benefits of staying in the Bay.”

ENDS

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