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Welcome to the first issue of Career Pathways News, brought to you every quarter by Waihanga Ara Rau, the Construction and Infrastructure Workforce Development Council, and specifically created for career advisors. Finding up-to-date information about the wide range of opportunities in the trades can be challenging. Career Pathways News brings you the latest construction and infrastructure intel to share with students and career seekers to help them make the big decisions. We hope you find it useful.

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Shaping the future: Renewable energy and solar

The renewable energy sector is creating exciting new opportunities for people who are passionate about sustainability and innovation.  With the global shift towards greener solutions, now is the perfect time for career seekers to make a meaningful impact on the world by contributing to the future of clean energy. Cultivating an interest in green technologies and problem-solving can open diverse job opportunities.

Spotlight on finishing trade careers

For career seekers keen on a hands-on creative career, the finishing trades might be the perfect fit!  Finishing trades include essential skills like painting and decorating, plastering, tiling and more – all of which are crucial in bringing life and beauty to homes and buildings.  A career in this sector offers the chance to leave a lasting mark on spaces where people live, work and play. There's high demand for skilled workers.

Perceptions of construction and infrastructure careers

Recent research we commissioned highlighted that less than 20% of young people were able to identify more than four occupations in construction and infrastructure. However, a recent infrastructure report highlighted a large and complex workforce: with over 100,000 full-time equivalent workers spread across more than 100 distinct occupations, there’s something for everyone.

Occupation spotlight - stepping into civil

Traffic management within the civil infrastructure sector offers an excellent entry into the industry. Temporary traffic management workers play a vital role in projects such as major road network expansions, civic, sporting and music events, as well as traffic control around construction projects, ensuring safety and efficiency. This pathway is ideal for those who enjoy problem-solving, teamwork, being outdoors and making an immediate impact.

Connecting students with industry

Increasing knowledge, providing hands-on experience and changing perceptions of careers in construction and infrastructure are invaluable in making decisions easier for career seekers. A recent article about an initiative at Hornby High School published in the Education Gazette provides great advice on how to connect locally and come together to support career seekers into a career in construction and infrastructure.