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Last modified: 23 Mar 2021 11:00am

Three students talking to two staff from Ara Institute of Technology at the youth expo

An opportunity to expand their horizons was on offer for Selwyn high school students last week.

Around 80 Year 12 and 13 students from the four Selwyn high schools attended the Council-run Youth Employment Expo at West Melton Community and Recreation Centre.

The day offered students the chance to meet with and discuss career options representatives from 18 businesses and organisations including trades and horticulture, emergency services, the armed forces, the Ministry for Primary Industries and training institutes including Mito and Ara Institute of Technology.

Ellesmere College student Samantha Powe, 16, said the expo had been helpful, giving her a lot to think about in terms of possible careers, even before she had finished visiting all the stallholders.

“I’ve had some rough ideas about doing something with animals or with machinery, but it’s expanded my thoughts about things and there’s still a few more places to ask about.”

She appreciated the variety of options offered by industry training organisation Mito and by the Selwyn Aquatic Centre, she said.

The expo was an opportunity to support Selwyn young people and provide options beyond what they might have expected, Council Group Manager Community Services and Facilities Denise Kidd says.

“We are always keen to help businesses in Selwyn as well and encourage young people that there are good options out there for them to use their talents and make the most of the opportunities available here in the district. We’ve had some great positive feedback from the organisations involved and the schools. It was good to hear the young people were keen and excited by the opportunities on offer,” she says.