THE CAREERS CENTRE
The Career facility consists of a seminar room, a classroom – specially arranged to suit this group type learning, a computer suite and offices.
This space is well used and very busy with students using it as a job centre, a facility for developing employment tools, a drop-in advisory centre, a place to locate courses and general information.
In addition to these ‘informal’ activities, formal student interviews occur throughout the day in addition to Transition classes, visitor seminars and the Job Search course. A range of current resources across several media is available and is widely used.
The Centre is a busy place with increasing demand on staff services from many people, sectors and industries. Opportunities like Gateway, STAR courses, Youth Apprenticeship Scheme, Work Experience, Transition courses, individual career planning are all on offer to students.
The Job Search programme offered to school leavers provides skill based learning in preparation for the next step and is totally individualized learning.
The facility is available to all in the school community and via an appointment system, parents and families are welcome. Wednesday lunchtimes is drop in time available to all the school and usually there are students completing curriculum vitas and seeking information.
Qualified staff represent both Canterbury and New Zealand on National Executives of the two professional organisations related to Career education – Career and Transition Education (CATE) and Career Development Association of NZ (CDANZ). These connections ensure up to date knowledge of the career industry and networks with international and national colleagues.
In their report on the 2007 visit, the Education Review Office said
"The Board, Principal & Careers Staff place a high priority on providing all students with effective advice and guidance on courses and careers. Students make good use of a well resourced careers facility. Students spoke positively about the opportunities provided through transition and gateway programmes. Staff follow up on all school leavers and provide good ongoing support for students who leave with few qualifications or without a destination. Many students return for further advice and/or to use facilities. Careers staff link with the community to support these students into work/study. "