Career Services chief executive accepts role with international career development organisation
Media release 20 November 2009
Career Services New Zealand chief executive Lester Oakes is to head the global career development body, the International Association for Educational and Vocational Guidance (IAEVG).
Current IAEVG president, Professor Bryan Hiebert, announced the handover to Mr Oakes yesterday at the opening ceremony of the International Careers Conference, which is being held at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington.
In his remarks, Professor Hiebert said, “I have complete confidence in Lester’s capability to step into the role because of the high regard he has among the international careers community. His succession to the presidency will be received with enormous support from across the sector.”
IAEVG is the worldwide career counsellors’ association that represents career practitioners on all continents.
Mr Oakes, who has been one of the organisation's three vice presidents for the last five years, says that it is an immense privilege to assume the presidency, which he takes over in the new year. Mr Oakes will continue to be based in Wellington, and will also remain in his current role as Career Services chief executive.
The announcement was made to an audience of 800 career professionals, who responded with a standing ovation. Deputy Prime Minister Bill English was also present, and acknowledged the great honour it was to have a New Zealander take on this prestigious global role.
“I am proud of what we have achieved in New Zealand towards raising the profile of professional career development services in this country, and providing world-class initiatives to New Zealanders. I am looking forward to taking that experience to a world stage,” says Mr Oakes.
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For further information, contact:
Pete Kerr, Marketing and Communications Adviser, Career Services
pete.kerr@careers.govt.nz, +64 4 381 5804 or +64 27 035 9594
