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Job course launched for international students

Posted on April 30, 2013
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International students in New Zealand can now benefit from a programme aimed at assisting them in their search for skilled employment positions.

The Auckland Regional Migrant Services (ARMS) has launched a seven-week employment support programme for international students.

Barbra Estall, an international student, who will be graduating this July with a bachelor’s degree in interpreting, believes that targeted job search skills and NZ workplace knowledge are vital for her career prospects.

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“The work culture in New Zealand is very different from Tahiti,” says Barbra. “Back home, you can get into full employment without any work experience. Over here, job search knowledge and work experience count much more. As a student, I am not aware of what is required in this country – interview skills, work place communication, CV and cover letter writing – when applying for jobs.”

New Zealand approved 68,980 student visas last year, according to figures released by Immigration New Zealand.  Students who complete at least a two-year New Zealand qualification can apply for a graduate job search visa to help them transit from study to work and then to residency.

“There is a clear gap in employment preparation and support for many international students, wishing to apply their higher learning in skilled employment,” says Dr Mary Dawson, ARMS Chief Executive.

The ARMS Certificate in Employment Search and Work Preparation consists of seven units delivered in three hour sessions. Four of the units are specifically designed to enhance the communication skills of the students as they relate to job searching and employment. There are places still available for the first course, starting Friday May 3rd. The cost is $160 per participant.

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NZ students protest outside PM’s conference

Posted on July 21, 2012

Many groups from New Zealand’s education sector protested against education budget cuts by the National-led government in Auckland. New Zealand students marched from Auckland’s Britomart to SkyCity Convention Centre, where Prime Minister is attending the National Party Conference.

The ‘Show and Tell’ protest was an opportunity for a range of groups to “show their discontent and tell the truth about attacks on education,” say the organisers. The representatives of the PPTA, NZEI and student movement groups spoke about the impact of the government’s education cuts on their sectors.

Teachers are the experts in education, says Lynley Hunter, Auckland Regional Chairperson of the PPTA. “Ask them how to improve education for everyone.”

Frances Guy from the NZEI says the changes were “about privatisation, charter schools, league tables and performance pay,” and that “every child is entitled to the best teachers.”

One parent of three special-needs children says, “only one in 100 children who apply for Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS) funding get it.”

Representing tertiary students, Jai Bentley-Payne, a postgraduate student and tutor in the sociology department at the University of Auckland, believes that students are not included in the government plans.

“Every time we hear about the plans of our government, they are notable for who is not included. Students are not included. Workers are not included. Poor people are not included. Women are not included. The marginalised, harassed and dispossessed are not included.

“Thousands more students will be forced to borrow to eat. Fifteen percent already live in absolute financial distress.

“We have some of the highest fees in the world, and $13 billion worth of student debt. We have forgotten what education is for. It is not a private investment scheme, it is for all of us to solve the big problems we face together.”