The Bay is booming – so why not build your career here? That's the message behind this year's Western Bay @ Work Expo, held on August 7 and 8.

Western Bay at Work Ambassador Greg Simmonds, marketing executive Adam Watson and marketing assistant Chloe Brown. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

The Expo is hosted by Priority One and Tauranga Rotary, and gives attendees a chance to talk to representatives from universities, Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, Careers NZ, Employ NZ and BCITO, and training providers from industry sectors including construction, tourism, aviation, hairdressing, fashion, defence forces, design, maritime, hospitality and more.

You will also be able to meet some innovative businesses and the people working in them. Industries showcased include horticulture, construction and engineering, IT, science, creative, professional and health.

Greg Simmonds from Priority One says Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty are consistently experiencing some of the highest rates of economic growth – a perfect reason why Kiwis looking for a change should start their career here.

'The sub-region is coming of age due to its locational advantages, infrastructure and growing amenities,” says Greg, 'which position the Western Bay of Plenty as attractive to skilled people and their families.

'We are seeing strong business growth in the sub-region which supports strong employment growth.”

According to Trade Me Jobs, listings for Tauranga increased 41 per cent in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014, and jobs here are increasingly well paid – 5.6 per cent of Trade Me job listings had an advertised salary of $100,000 or more in 2014, compared with nearly four per cent in 2013.

With more than 80 exhibitors showcasing the region's diverse and exciting career opportunities and the best training pathways to get there at ASB Arena this Friday and Saturday, it's time to take your career into your own hands.

The Tauranga Careers and Business Expo runs from 9am to 3pm today and Saturday at ASB Arena. Entry to the event is free.

Want more info? Visit: www.westernbayatwork.org.nz