Workchoice Day 2014
A few weeks ago, Telecom hosted students for Workchoice Day 2014.
The event saw students from a variety of schools spending time at Telecom to learn from Telecom people what they do, why they chose their career and what life at Telecom is like.
The day is designed to get students out into actual workplaces to learn about career paths and jobs that exist within different companies and industries. Every year, almost 200 organisations around New Zealand welcome approximately 5,000 senior students into their workplaces to help them make informed decisions about their futures.
In Wellington, David Van der Zouwe once again hosted students from Newlands College, Wellington East College and Vibe Training Institute. Lisa Paraku and Rebecca Laracy also worked with David to organise the day.
Lisa says the day was an enjoyable one:
“I was asked to participate to inspire the ‘girls schools’ attending. We ended up with both girls and co-ed schools so a really good cross section. I organised a panel of females from across our business (Fiona Smith; Fiona Macleod; Diana Lloyd; Kirsten McLay; Elaine Chambers; Helen Somerfield; Jamie Fawcett) to participate and they did a great job. When I realised at the last minute, that our audience was also co-ed I asked Peter Naylor to attend along with Andy Crawford. They also did our company proud. The students were polite, inquisitive and open, so discussion flowed.”
In Auckland, the Telecom Foundation hosted students from Lynfield College, Howick College, Tamaki College and Kelston Boys. Foundation GM Lynne Le Gros put together a panel of speakers including Jesh MacDonald and Raven Garcia.
Jesh says he had a great day busting myths about what IT jobs are actually like, and introducing them to the many opportunities available at a front line technology company:
“Being in my early 20’s, I felt that the students would relate to me. I also tried to set realistic expectations while opening their minds to a world of possibilities in a dynamic company such as ours” says Jesh.
Raven says Workchoice Day was a chance to share his knowledge with the younger generation:
“It was always a dream for me to be able to inspire and share life and career experiences to the future generation; and also good to have a look back, share what you are now and your achievements”.
Thanks to everyone involved in Workchoice Day for representing Telecom, you’ve done us proud!