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Career exploration through work experience, expos and online research

A busy careers expo

Your young person can make their career exploration enjoyable if they use these tools.

Support your young person to find their future by helping them get work experience, attend career expos, and look for career information online.

Help them get work experience

Work experience is a great way for your young person to learn what’s involved in a job and it may lead to them choosing a career path.

Help them find work experience opportunities:

  • check if they can work shadow (follow) you for a day
  • contact their school to see if the Gateway programme is suitable for them
  • ask friends or family members if they know of work experience opportunities
  • search Volunteering New Zealand’s website for volunteer jobs.

Help them make the most of career expos

Your young person will usually visit career expos with their school.

Career expos bring together universities, Te Pūkenga, private training organisations, Defence Forces, and sometimes employers. 

Help your young person prepare for an expo visit by listing questions they can ask training providers and employers. Use our expo planner to assist.

At the expo they can speak to people working in the industry they are interested in and take notes.

Help them explore career ideas online

Exploring career resources online can help you talk about school leaving options. Our 'plan your career' section has information and planning activities.

Related article

Talking careers with your young person

A mother and daughter talking on a couch

Deciding which career path to take can be a challenge. Find out how to help your young person explore their future career.

Updated 11 Jul 2023