Setting yourself on the right path to get a foot in the door or discovering the range of services available to support your business will all be addressed at next month's Ashburton Employment Exchange, and job-seekers and employers are being encouraged to secure their spot at the event as soon as possible.​

This video highlights what made last year's inaugural event a tremendous success and more than just your traditional job or career fair/expo.

The second annual Employment Exchange is coming back to the Ashburton Club & MSA on Wednesday 4 November and it is shaping up to be a training and networking opportunity not to be missed.

On offer for job-seekers this year is advice on how to successfully transition to a different career path and information on training courses that can improve your prospects. A panel of local employers will also speak about the do's and don't they look for in job applications.

Meanwhile, businesses will be taken through the variety of support initiatives available to them, professional services to help navigate the post-covid world, and real-world experience from industry leaders on what to expect from the current employment market and how to uncover opportunities in their recruitment process.

Council Community Services Group Manager Steve Fabish says there will be many practical takeaways from the Employment Exchange designed to set job-seekers and employers up to achieve their goals.

"Last year's event was a tremendous success because it wasn't just another employment expo. The exchange gives real world advice that's catered to Mid Canterbury's unique employment environment.

"In addition to the training opportunities, you will be able to meet the very people who want to work in your organisation or conversely, who are looking for job candidates with your attitude or skill set.

"Register today to take advantage of all the opportunities on offer at this year's Ashburton Employment Exchange."

Guest speakers at the exchange include the Ministry of Social Development, Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce, Zest People and representatives from local businesses.

The free event will run from 9am - 12pm at the Ashburton Club & MSA, Havelock Street, Ashburton and will include morning tea.

Spaces are limited, so register for the event as early as possible by 30 October at ashburtondc.govt.nz/aee.​​

Ashburton Employment Exchange Programme

For Jobseekers:

• Pressing reset and pivot - hear experiences and learn from the other who have successfully pivoted their career and lives following an unforeseen event or personal decision.
• Challenge yourself - hear about courses that are available to refocus your life goals and exceed your expectations of what you can personally achieve.
• Tackling change head-on - Zest People will facilitate a session tackling the highs and lows of career change and how to make sure your change in direction is successful and rewarding.
• Improve you - learn about the retaining opportunities and initiatives available locally to improve your skill base and personal marketability.
• Be in the know - a panel of local hiring managers who make the call on who to hire or not will share with your what they love and loath in a job application.​

For Employers:

• Hire the inspired - learn about the Limited Services Volunteer programme and how it inspires all of those involved, including Ashburton District Mayor Neil Brown.
• Life after COVID-19 - Hear what support services and advice is available free-of-charge from the Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce.
• Getting back - Learn about the financial support available to employers who are willing to give a job-seeker or apprentice a go.
• Open your mind - Hear from Zest People on what to expect about those within the current employment market and the benefits of being an open minded employer.​