The annual NZMA Careers Expo was the largest in the event’s five year history with more than 100 employers on site for thousands of students to help define their careers.
With a 9 percent year-on-year increase in tourism and hospitality jobs recorded in Auckland recently, many employers were actively interviewing and offering jobs on-the-spot to students which could lead to permanent employment.
Accor Hotels attends the NZMA Careers Expo every year, and according to Talent and Culture Coordinator Kayla Ludlow it’s the ideal way to meet with lots of different candidates in one place.
“Today we are looking for guest service agents, maintenance technicians and room attendants,” said Ludlow. “We are also keeping an eye out for anyone who we think might be good, even if we don’t have a specific position in mind. We have lots of different properties so can pass on student details to other hotels within our group.”
First timers to the Expo was The Riverhead, New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern. Administration Manager Juanita Taylor was on the hunt for hospitality stars.
“So far I’ve been given 20 to 30 CV’s, and of those, I’d say probably about ten of them are stars. For us it’s about having the right attitude. We want people who are bright, bubbly and motivated.”
The NZMA Careers Expo had close to 110 companies representing New Zealand’s top industry employers, including all the big hotel chains, numerous restaurants, trades, early childhood education, health, retail, contact centres and construction industry.
Guest speakers representing employers also inspired students and informed them of what potential employers had to offer. There were lots of opportunities for students to secure work experience, internships plus part-time and full-time roles in their chosen industry.
For more information call 0800 222 116 or visit www.nzma.ac.nz.
