The Canvas Careers Expo, held last week for students and job seekers is essential for the regions economic growth, with more than 60 tertiary and training providers, alongside key business representatives, the expo offers a comprehensive look at the opportunities available in the region. This year the expo welcomed thousands of students and staff from all our regions schools including over three hundred students from Whakatane.

Vee de Koster, Instep Manager at Priority One, emphasised the importance of the event for parents of teens who are still uncertain about their future career or training paths. The expo provided a valuable chance for both parents and their teens to explore various options and make informed decisions together.

Sue Boyne, the organiser from the Rotary Club of Tauranga, highlighted the expo’s role in facilitating connections between teens and industry leaders. These interactions offered teens real insights into different industries and the potential to build relationships that could ease their transition into future careers.

Notably, several Priority One members attended the expo this year for the first time to showcase their businesses and the opportunities they offer. Westpac, Design Juice, and Craigs Investment Partners, were among the members who joined the event, further enriching the diverse range of industries represented. Their participation underscored the commitment of local businesses to supporting the development of Tauranga’s future workforce.

The Canvas Careers Expo is crucial for supporting the diverse and exciting career opportunities available in Tauranga, New Zealand’s fastest-growing region. By bringing together a wide array of employers and training providers, including key members from Priority One, the expo acts as a tool to strengthen the future workforce pipeline, ensuring that local job seekers are well-prepared to support the region’s ongoing growth.