24 October 2025

Inside Our First Ever Skills Institute Career Expo  

Skills Institute's first Career Expo at Wiri campus connected Auckland learners with top employers including NZ Police, Sudima Hotels, Barfoot & Thompson and Compass Group NZ, creating genuine pathways from training to employment.

On October 9th, the inaugural Skills Institute Career Expo, held at our Wiri campus. united Auckland's top employers and our talented learners.

The energy on campus was electric. Our learners showed up eager to engage, explore, and take the next step in their career journey. From hospitality and cookery students connecting with leading restaurants and hotels, to healthcare and pre-police learners meeting with organisations actively recruiting qualified professionals, every conversation had purpose. 

What made this day so powerful was the authenticity. Employers shared honest insights about their workplace culture, the skills they're looking for, and what success looks like in their organisations. Our learners asked thoughtful questions, demonstrated their capabilities, and discovered opportunities they didn't even know existed.

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Industry partners who invest in potential 

A massive thank you to the employers who took time from their busy schedules to be here. Your presence made all the difference. These industry leaders didn't just show up; they genuinely engaged with our learners, offering guidance on everything from CV writing to interview techniques, and sharing what it really takes to succeed in their fields.

Among the organisations that joined us were: 

  • Expert Finance 

  • Sudima Hotels 

  • Mapu Maia 

  • SALT 

  • Compass Group NZ 

  • Dress For Success Auckland 

  • CCS Disability Action 

  • NZ Police 

  • Asian Family Services 

  • AT Realty Group 

  • Barfoot & Thompson 

  • Rydges Formosa Golf Resort 

  • Access Community Health 

  • Real World Living 

  • TSI Māori & Pasifika Trades Training 

  • BBM Recruitment 

Their commitment to supporting vocational training and creating opportunities for emerging professionals is exactly what makes career expos like this so valuable.

‘The real you, ready for the real world' 

At Skills Institute, we believe in practical, hands-on training that prepares you for actual employment. But qualification is just one part of the equation. Career readiness means knowing how to present yourself, understanding what employers need, and having the confidence to step into professional conversations.

Our Career Expo was designed to bridge that gap. It gave our learners the chance to practice those real-world skills in a supportive environment, with genuine career opportunities on the table.

For many of our learners, this was their first experience connecting directly with potential employers. The confidence they showed, the questions they asked, and the professional presence they brought to each conversation showed just how ready they are for the workforce. 

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What's next for you? 

If you attended the expo, take a moment to follow up on the connections you made. Reach out to the employers you spoke with, update your CV based on the feedback you received, and keep that momentum going.

If you missed the expo but are interested in learning more about how Skills Institute connects learners with employment opportunities, our careers and employment team is here to help. From CV writing and interview coaching to job placement support, we're committed to helping you transform your qualification into a career. 

Building careers, one step at a time 

Our first Career Expo was a success because our Skills Institute whānau. Your enthusiasm, professionalism, and readiness to take the next step made this day unforgettable.

To every learner who attended: you showed up, you engaged, and you represented yourselves brilliantly. That's what matters. To our industry partners: thank you for believing in vocational training and investing your time in emerging talent. These connections create genuine pathways to employment. 

And to future learners: this is what career support looks like at Skills Institute. When you train with us, you're not just gaining a qualification; you're joining a community that actively works to connect you with the employers who need your skills.

Here's to more conversations, more connections, and more careers launched from our campuses!

Ready to start your career journey? Explore our vocational training courses and discover what's possible when practical skills meet genuine employment opportunities.

Want to see more from the day? Click here to see our learners and industry partners in action.