Senior students get taste of local government careers

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council hosted senior high school students Lief Rock (Taikura Rudolf Steiner) and Tom Little (Taradale High) for a half day orientation, giving the young men a taste of local government and showcasing the huge range of careers on offer.

Rock and Little met with Councillor Martin Williams, the Regional Council executive leadership team, as well as hearing from a wide range of employees from science, finance, communications and marketing, people and capability, climate change, and parks/open spaces.

 Regional Council Chief Executive James Palmer says it was a valuable exercise to host the students.

“The visit was a great opportunity for our team to talk directly to high achieving students about their roles, and for the students to understand that there are many rewarding careers in local government, right here in Hawke’s Bay,” says Mr Palmer.

Lief Rock, a year 13 student at Taikura Rudolf Steiner School says it was a really interesting, well-rounded morning, and aligned with what he wanted to get from the visit.

“I was surprised by the number of roles and career options available. The ability to make a role your own and align with your personal values really appealed to me.

“I also really enjoyed the session with Councillor Williams – and what he had to say. I have an interest in local government, but need to get more experience under my belt before I could contemplate standing. The visit shone a light on all of the areas I can work on,” says Lief.

Year 12 student Tom Little from Taradale High was intrigued to learn about the number of people the Council employs and the wide variety of career options, from Marine Biologists to Engineers, to Accountants.

“The experience was really eye opening. I learnt that the Council offer cadetships for university students in the summer – which seems like a great opportunity to learn and work in local government.  I will definitely keep an eye out for those opportunities,”  says Tom.

For more information on HBRC careers visit www.hbrc.govt.nz/careers

Photo: At Waitangi Regional Park (L to R): People and Capability Advisor - Learning and Development, Sandy Millar, Taikura Rudolf Steiner student Lief Rock, and Cycle Network Coordinator Vicki Butterworth. 

12 September 2022

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