New report highlights the success of the Direct Career Service
New report highlights the success of the Direct Career Service
A 59 year-old worker who wrote her first CV is just one of many examples of the positive impact the Direct Career Service has had.
A 59 year-old worker who wrote her first CV is just one of many examples of the positive impact the Direct Career Service has had.
The recently published Supporting better outcomes – professional career guidance for all New Zealanders (PDF 1.2 MB) report showcases these and other real-life stories from over the past year, highlighting the success of the Direct Career Service. This service was delivered by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and the Career Development Association of New Zealand (CDANZ), initially to support workers who were displaced from their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Direct Career Service was launched in October 2020. It was designed to support individuals to get back into work by identifying their current skills, and how these skills can be transferred to other industries. Clients received help – at no cost – in developing a clear plan and taking the next steps into work or education, by talking one-to-one with a qualified careers professional over the phone or in-person at a regional pop-up centre.
Such was the success of the Direct Career Service that the service, originally planned to be delivered until June 2021, has now been extended for another year, to June 2022.
“The report makes for very positive reading. It shows the value the Direct Career Service has delivered during a time of immense uncertainty and stress, and the role that career development professionals played in ensuring New Zealanders felt supported and confident in their career journey,” says Tim Fowler, Chief Executive of the TEC.
“I want to acknowledge our partnership with CDANZ, without whom the Direct Career Service would not have been possible. As we process the learnings from this report, we look forward to working with CDANZ and others in the sector to develop a robust careers system strategy for Aotearoa New Zealand.”
A careers system strategy for all New Zealanders
In addition to the success stories throughout the country, the Direct Careers Service has highlighted the growing need for quality careers guidance that is available to all New Zealanders, at all stages of their career journey.
Throughout 2022, TEC will be working closely with CDANZ and the sector to develop a national careers system strategy. The goal of this strategy will be to ensure everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand can access quality, professional careers information and advice, so they have the tools they need for a rewarding work and learning journey. Further information will become available on the TEC website as the strategy is developed.