Rangatahi Explore Career Pathways
Article
September 2026
Ngāti Porou Oranga Youth Services rangatahi had the opportunity to step outside the classroom and explore where their next steps could take them through a hands-on experience focused on education, training and employment pathways.
The day connected rangatahi with EIT Tairāwhiti and the Tairāwhiti Jobs & Skills Hub, giving them the chance to explore different areas of study, experience practical activities and learn more about opportunities available within local industries.
At EIT Tairāwhiti, rangatahi took part in an interactive campus experience designed to introduce them to the range of study and career pathways available.
Using a campus map and activity passport, rangatahi made their way through different departments, taking part in hands-on activities, collecting stamps and experiencing what studying at EIT could look like.
Throughout the experience, they explored pathways across Business, Engineering, IDEAschool, Māori Studies, Nursing, Primary Industries, and Sport & Exercise.
Rather than simply hearing about the different programmes available, rangatahi were able to get involved, ask questions and gain a better understanding of how their interests could connect with future study, training and career opportunities.
For 15-year-old Shyella, the experience introduced her to opportunities and support she had not previously known were available.
It opened my mind up to a lot more than what I expected. I didn’t know there was so much support for rangatahi in Gisborne.
The experience also introduced rangatahi to industry pathways through the Tairāwhiti Jobs & Skills Hub.
Through Parata and Tairāwhiti Contractors, rangatahi were introduced to Site Traffic Management Specialist (STMS) training and gained practical exposure to opportunities within local industries.
The hands-on session gave rangatahi an insight into the skills involved in the sector while also providing information about training, education and employment pathways available through the Jobs & Skills Hub.
For 17-year-old Whetu, who is part of the Young Parent Programme (YPP), the Trades and Jobs & Skills visit has already helped turn an experience into a potential employment pathway.
After showing promise during the practical skills training, Whetu has enrolled in the next STMS intake and is looking forward to working towards paid employment in road management.
The day was also about more than exploring study and employment opportunities. It gave rangatahi the chance to connect with others, experience something different and build confidence in a supportive environment.
For 16-year-old Taniela, who is usually shy and reserved, the experience encouraged him to step outside his comfort zone.
I enjoyed the whole day, getting out of the house, meeting people my age, and learning stuff.
Following the experience, Taniela is looking forward to taking part in the next youth gathering.
Experiences like these give rangatahi the opportunity to see the different pathways available to them and connect what they are interested in today with possibilities for their future.
For some, the day opened their eyes to support and opportunities they did not know existed. For others, it provided new connections, increased confidence or a direct pathway into further training.
By engaging directly with education providers, training opportunities and local industry, rangatahi can ask questions, try something new and build their awareness of the options available beyond school.
For NPO Youth Services, supporting rangatahi to explore these opportunities is part of helping them build confidence, make informed decisions and identify pathways that align with their interests, strengths and aspirations.
