Global challenges having an impact on New Zealand careers
Media Release 15 June 2009
Career Services international conference to focus on technology and best work practices in changing economic climate
Major careers conference confirms its programme
Keynote speakers and an inspiring programme are now confirmed for The International Careers Conference being hosted by Career Services and endorsed by the International Association for Educational and Vocational Guidance (IAEVG) in Wellington from 19-21 November 2009. "Transforming Careers – Unleashing Potential will provide a stimulating programme showcasing the changing face of careers from both a local and global context," Career Services chief executive Lester Oakes says.
Discussing the changing face of careers was always going to be a topical focus and an important one for the future workforce. The global economic climate further reinforces the need to have these discussions now.
"Today’s workforce is truly global, and to reflect this we have developed an international programme with 77 presenters from 12 countries, including Germany, Venezuela, Finland, Malta, Japan, Ireland, Belgium, the UK, Canada, the US, Australia and of course speakers from around New Zealand who will share their perspectives," says Mr Oakes.
With the aim of inspiring debate and discussion, we have an impressive line-up of leading international and local career experts, combined with challenging themes such as:
- best careers practice in learning and workplace settings
- the role of citizen and community in shaping development and delivery of career practice and policy
- technological advances
- realising the potential of indigenous and migrant communities.
Keynote addresses include papers from the following experts:
- Professor Jim Bright, from Australia, is a leading professional in career development and will be speaking on Shift Happens – Life on the Overlander. His presentation will focus on a new approach to career counselling, advice and career education based on the premise that change is inevitable.
- Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith (Ngāti Awa and Ngāti Porou), pro vice chancellor Māori for Waikato University, will address issues about career planning, leadership and mentoring that are still faced by many Māori and people from other cultures.
- Lynne Bezanson and Sareena Hopkins, co-executive directors of the Canadian Career Development Foundation (CCDF), will speak about the concept of career resilience.
- Dr Ganesh Nana, leading commentator and New Zealand economist with Business and Economic Research Limited, will speak about the changing patterns in the world of work, and what the challenges and opportunities are for New Zealand.
"The event provides an excellent professional development opportunity to discuss the unique set of challenges we face with the rapidly evolving nature of our workforce," Mr Oakes says. "School professionals, employers, unions, industry representative organisations, HR and recruitment specialists, as well as central and local government leaders, will benefit from the sharing of new ideas and thinking, and the international perspectives right here in Wellington," Mr Oakes says.
We are grateful to the support of the Ministry of Education, Department of Labour, Ministry of Social Development and Te Puni Kōkiri, together with industry partners Careers and Transition Education Association (CATE) and Career Practitioners Association of New Zealand (CPANZ).
Distributed by Ogilvy PR on behalf of Career Services.
For further information or interviews contact:
- Kathy Cunningham, Executive Director, Ogilvy PR +64 9 358 8232 or +64 21 743 378
Kathy.cunningham@ogilvy.co.nz or - Wendy Goldswain, Marketing and Communications Manager
wendy.goldswain@careers.govt.nz +64 4 381 5825 or +64 27 548 4568
Career Services is New Zealand’s leading provider of free and independent careers information and advice – helping New Zealanders to make well-informed decisions about jobs, training and study. A Crown agent, Career Services provides services and resources to all New Zealanders, including school and tertiary students, people of all ages who are entering tertiary education, trade training or work, migrants, and adult workers considering a change in the direction of their careers or a return to the workforce.
