Go with Tourism – a government-funded initiative developed to build New Zealand’s tourism workforce – has launched a free programme to connect students and graduates with tourism operators through work placements.

Designed in a similar fashion to Go with Tourism’s game-changing Job Connector, dubbed ‘Tinder for tourism’ by media, Pledge A Placement will match a tourism or hospitality operator to those searching for work experience, or to teachers who organise placements for their students.

Go with Tourism Programme Director, Matt Stenton, says that although New Zealand’s tourism industry has reduced employment opportunities, now is the time to focus on building lasting connections and gain workplace experience that will be useful in the future.

“Many businesses won’t be in a position to offer a permanent paid role right now, but they may be able to provide a student or recent graduate an opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience,” explained Stenton. “It’s a win-win situation. Businesses can get help on a short-term project or gain a fresh perspective and new ideas, and placed individuals get experience that they can put on their CV.

“The cherry on top of Pledge A Placement is the connections made,” adds Stenton. “The placed individual acquires a referee for future job interviews and the employer may find someone that they will want to keep an eye on as a future hire. Many great mentorships can come out of placements as well, which a priceless resource that many overlook in their professional careers.”

Placements can vary greatly; they include volunteering opportunities, job shadowing, internships and more. Go with Tourism encourages all tourism operators to consider what help they may be able to provide New Zealand’s aspiring tourism professionals at this time.

Depending on the different circumstances of both the business and student, and the outcomes they hope to achieve, Go with Tourism will ensure that suitable matches are made.

The Pledge A Placement programme was launched at the Auckland Go with Tourism Expo, on 6-8 August, and will be promoted at the remaining expos in Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch.

Written by Helen Shaw, Marketing Communications Manager