Great South and the Southern Institute of Technology have combined forces to organise an employment expo for migrant workers on Wednesday (November 18).

Great South has organised an employment expo to help migrants find work in Southland after noticing more migrants struggling to find work post COVID-19.

“We’ve noticed there are growing numbers of migrants seeking employment assistance, and we thought this was a good way to offer them support,” said Great South business services general manager Ben Lewis.

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Mr Lewis said 39 migrants registered for Great South’s Skills Placement Programme at its career expo held in July, which was a lot more than expected considering the borders were closed.

“There are a lot of migrants feeling quite isolated at the moment, especially with employers being encouraged to hire New Zealand residents,” he said.

He said many still have valid visas but have lost their jobs due to COVID-19.

And without work, it makes it difficult for them to retain their visas, he added.

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The Expo organised by Great South and hosted by the Southern Institute of Technology is being held next week on Wednesday November 18 at the SIT campus.

The expo will feature a day of seminars run by an array of community leaders and career experts, teaching job seekers CV and interview skills and how to tap into the hidden job market. 

The speakers include: Great South Southland Youth Futures advisor Renata Gill, Hemali Shah and Amber Law from Work Connect Career Consultants, Dairy farm owner Reza Abdul-Jabbar, Frontline Training project and business manager Shannan Clarke, CodeBlue South managing director Ian Edwards and Invercargill City Council manager of people and capability Gary Andrew.

Frontline Training project and business manager Shannan Clarke hosting a seminar on job hunting skills and employer expectations at the Great South Job Search event in July.

Immigration New Zealand Relationship Manager Craig Shaw will provide updates to jobseekers on the latest immigration policy and stallholders representing education, employer and community organisations will also be on site. 

Mr Lewis said it was a timely opportunity, especially for those about to complete their studies at SIT as well as those who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19.

“Many students will likely be finishing up and thinking, what next? This just might give them a direction forward.”

He said while this expo was particularly aimed at migrants to connect them with employment in the region, be they students or skilled workers, anyone could attend the event.

Great South chief executive Graham Budd said the expo was essential for showing support to migrants given so much change as a result of COVID-19.

“It must be a very difficult time, especially for those who are separated from their friends and family.

“We want to make sure that Southland remains a welcoming place for anyone to live, work and play,” he said.

Event Details:

• Migrant Employment Expo
• Hansen Hall, Southern Institute of Technology Invercargill Campus
• Wednesday November 18 - 10.00am to 4.00pm

Seminars

• 10.30 am: How to Write a Great CV, with Renata Gill
• 11.30 am: Acing that Interview, with Hemali Shah and Amber Law
• 12.30 pm: Immigration Updates, with Craig Walsh
• 1.30 pm: Meet the Employer, with Ian Edwards, Reza Abdul-Jabbar and Gary Andrew