30 Apr 2018

Share this story

Christchurch City Council has signed on to be part of the Work Inspiration programme so it can give high school students a taste of what it is like to work in the local government sector.

“The local government sector offers many rewarding work opportunities, but often it gets overlooked by young people when they’re thinking about the type of job they want when they finish their studies,’’ says Christchurch City Council Chief Executive Dr Karleen Edwards.

Christchurch City Council is opening its doors to a group of Linwood College students in May.

“We’re really keen to encourage more young people to pursue careers in local government and we think piloting the Work Inspiration programme with Linwood College is a good way to do that.’’

Work Inspiration is run by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and is an employer-led programme aimed at giving secondary school students workplace experience. Companies involved with the programme include Westpac and Toyota.

Christchurch City Council is the biggest local authority to sign on to be part of the programme.

“We’re pleased to have Christchurch City Council involved in Work Inspiration, as they’re a big local employer that recognises the benefits of connecting with young people,” says TEC Chief Executive Tim Fowler.

“Work Inspiration is a great way for young people to get a ‘behind the scenes’ view of the workplace, giving them the chance to talk to employees about their career journey, what roles are available in their industry and what skills employers are looking for.”

Through the Work Inspiration Programme, a group of Year 11 students from Linwood College will spend three days in May working at the Council, undertaking real working life tasks and activities.

During their stint at the Council they will take part in exercises that will help them learn job skills and increase their understanding of their own skills and personalities. The students will also undertake a project looking at what an eco-friendly city could look like in 2025.

Linwood College Tumuaki-Principal Richard Edmundson says the College is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with a progressive organisation like the Council.

“Working with the Council, our students will be able to make their learning real through contextualisation. Our students will have a range of experiences, some of them positively challenging, in a diverse workplace.

“They will have opportunities that some of them may not otherwise encounter and all of them will gain a richer understanding of themselves and the possibilities open to them,’’ Mr Edmundson says.

Linwood College Head of Careers Dan Russell says the Work Inspiration programme has benefits for both students and the place of employment. It allows the employer to engage meaningfully with the community and provides the students with a richer schooling experience.

At the end of the Linwood College students’ visit, the Council will be reviewing the success of the programme with the College and TEC.