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Industry Big Day Out June 2023

The Wairarapa region recently witnessed a gathering of secondary school students, young individuals, and teachers at the Youth 2 Work Wairarapa Industries Big Day Out. Held on Wednesday, 21st June, the event aimed to bridge the gap between education and employment by showcasing local industries and providing participants with a glimpse into potential career paths.

Participants had the chance to visit employers and businesses, exploring future pathways and connecting with industry leaders and training providers. Trudy Sears, the Project Lead, emphasized the importance of students engaging with local businesses on site.

By observing workplaces in action, young individuals could make more informed decisions about their future and subject choices. Without first hand exposure, it’s difficult for them to understand the workings and opportunities within different industries. The aim was to inspire them.

This year, the Big Day Out featured various industries, including forestry, transport, conservation, retail, and production. This diverse range allowed students to gain exposure to different sectors.

The event lasted from 9:30 am to 2:15 pm, offering a packed schedule for attendees to immerse themselves in the experiences and opportunities presented by the local primary industries.

The Industry Big Day Out is an initiative by Youth 2 Work Wairarapa. We extend our gratitude to the businesses that opened their doors for the event, including McCarthy’s Transport, C3 Logging, Juken JNL NZ, Mitre 10, the Ministry of Social Development, Breadcraft, Supplejack Contracting, and the Greater Wellington Regional Council.

Thanks to all the schools that took part in the day –  Solway College, Wairarapa College, Mākoura College, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Wairarapa – Wharekura, Tararua College, Ponatahi Christian School and Kuranui College.

The Wairarapa Industries Big Day Out proved to be a valuable platform for connecting education and employment. Through first hand exposure to local businesses and industries, participants gained insights into their potential career paths. The event’s success would not have been possible without the support of the participating businesses and the students enthusiasm for taking part and trying new things.

Youth 2 Work Wairarapa is financially supported by the Carterton District Council through the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs and REAP Wairarapa.