Tauranga will become the hub of educational thinking as national delegates working towards youth career education converge for a three day national conference.

ASB Arena. Photo: file.

From November 19-21 more than 500 delegates will share their ideas at Mount Maunganui's ASB Arena for this year's Careers and Transition Educators conference.

The majority of the delegates are careers advisers working with students as they transition into higher education or employment and will ponder this year's theme – ‘Connect, Collaborate, Contribute'.

The conference is the most comprehensive professional development opportunity for those with a vested interest in the future employability and prosperity of New Zealanders.

Priority One instep manager Lyn Parlane says presenters, both national and international include, Dr Peter McIlveen from the University of Southern Queensland, Dr Carol Johnson from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, highly successful New Zealand shoe designer Kathryn Wilson, and the Waikato University professor of coastal marine science Chris Battershill.

The conference chair is Papamoa College careers advisor Jo Neal, with the conference MC New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc business analyst Kate Longman.

Priority One is represented on the organising committee, providing local industry knowledge to ensure delegates get the most out of the opportunity.

Lyn says the ‘Connect, Collaborate, Contribute' theme is very apt for a conference that is being held in the Bay of Plenty.

'The region is well known around the country for our strong networks and collaborative attitude. This includes partnership between businesses as well as the education sector and local and central government.”

Careers and Transition Educators disseminates information on employment and education trends and professional development courses, and acts as a vehicle for discussing issues with government and key stakeholders.

CATE's work is critical to the future economic growth of New Zealand, ensuring future generations are equipped with the best tools and information to make good career choices.

Lyn says Bay of Plenty CATE members have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to make this conference one delegates will remember and hopes the community will get behind the event.

'This is a great opportunity to showcase what our region has to offer and encourage delegates to return to the Bay.”

The conference theme sponsor is the Bay of Plenty Tertiary Partnership, comprising University of Waikato, Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, Te Whare Wananga Awanuiarangi and Waiariki Institute of Technology.

Speakers:

Dr Peter McIlveen from the University of Southern Queensland – speaking on the changing nature of careers education.

Dr Carol Johnson from the University of Wisconsin-Stout – renowned for innovative and creative ideas to make careers education come alive in the classroom.

Highly successful New Zealand shoe designer Kathryn Wilson.

Waikato University professor of coastal marine science Chris Battershill – speaking on the fascinating story of how the region became a centre of high level collaboration.