Call for Coast businesses offering work experience for local students

Development West Coast (DWC) is looking to connect West Coast tertiary students studying outside the region with work experience on the Coast during their academic breaks.

"Every year, many young Coasters leave the region to pursue tertiary education, and we want to encourage more of them to return home," said DWC chief executive Heath Milne.

"By connecting them with meaningful work experience with innovative Coast businesses, we can give them a real reason to consider coming back after they finish their studies and start their careers."

DWC already offers four annual tertiary scholarships, which include guaranteed work placements during the holidays. However, Milne emphasised that DWC is now looking to expand this opportunity to other West Coast tertiary students, beyond just the scholarship recipients, to support a broader range of students looking to return and contribute to the local economy.

DWC’s vocational coordinator Jade Mahuika said. ”We already have a group of students, studying everything from engineering to political science, who are keen to gain hands-on experience back on the Coast.”

"If your business is interested in providing paid work experience for a student over the holidays, we encourage you to get in touch, and we'll do our best to connect you with a suitable West Coast tertiary student."

For more information, contact: jade@dwc.org.nz