ED&EM: Future Fest Success 2023

Future Fest, a collaboration between ED&EM, Manurewa Youth Council, Manukau Jobs and Skills Hub and Connected, celebrated it’s second year with another successful event for 2023. We had a room full of employers and training providers all of whom were inundated from the moment we opened the doors.  

The Future Fest buzz started from the moment pack in began and continued throughout the day after the doors opened. Several schools were among the first to arrive waiting to come in and explore all the various opportunities that were available. Many members of the community were also on hand looking to browse the exhibitors. It was great to see candidates come prepared with CVs in hand, which meant there was a frenzy of engagement throughout the expo.

The Manurewa Youth Council’s Future Fest Committee did a fantastic job keeping attendees entertained as well, with several games and activities that took place throughout the event. Prizes were won and good times were had. A special thank you to TechStep NZ, Chemist Warehouse, Supply Chain Solutions, Foodstuffs and Healtheries NZ who donated prizes.

We had tons of positive feedback from students and employers. From construction and pick packing, to pharmacy and bee keeping, we heard of youth showing interest in a variety of jobs. It was great to see the interaction and excitement in the conference center.  

Our team would like to thank all the schools who brought students to Future Fest and hopefully took another step forward in their career journeys. It’s great to see students gaining valuable experience engaging with employers directly. For some, this will have been their first opportunity to do so. We look forward to connecting even more students in 2024.