Career Services to offer parents' seminars at Coca-cola Expo
Media release 28 July 2010

New Zealand's leading career development agency is calling on parents of teen jobseekers to upskill their own knowledge and expertise to help them guide their child's career path.

Dale Bailey, Area Manager Northern for Career Services in Auckland, says that research and experience has shown that parents are the most important influencers on a young person's career decisions.

"You are your teenager's most important career adviser," says Mr Bailey. "Your kids get the clearest sense of what's possible in life by seeing and hearing what you do and understanding the approach you take to achieve your career goals.

"If you're confused about the options available for career development, then there's a good chance they are as well."

Mr Bailey says that Career Services will be offering seminars to help parents develop their "career adviser" role at the annual Coca-Cola Careers Expo, to be held at the ASB showgrounds in Greenlane, Auckland, from 5-7 August.

"The job market has changed dramatically in the past 20 years, so parents who want to help their teens navigate the job market and develop a satisfying career path need to keep themselves informed of current trends and options for training and education," says Mr Bailey.

Entry to the expo is free and specifically targeted at school leavers, Gen-Y and their parents. It attracts around 15,000 attendees every year.

"Parents who attend the expo with their teen have already achieved job one; that is, demonstrating a clear interest in their career path and offering them help to find what's right for them."

Mr Bailey says the seminars will cover a range of topics including common concerns, conversation starters, tapping into strengths, and the changing world of work. Career Services consultants will be on hand to answer specific questions and provide further information.

The seminars will run at the following times in the seminar area, near the Career Services stand, which is situated close to the entrance of the main hall. No bookings are needed to attend.

Times:

* Thursday 5 August - 6.00-6.30pm
* Saturday 7 August - 11.30-12.00pm

For more information about the Auckland Careers Expo, visit www.careers-expo.co.nz

For more information on the resources and tools available from Career Services, visit www.careers.govt.nz or phone the advice line on 0800 222 733 to find out more.
http://www2.careers.govt.nz/8254.html