Find jobs, courses, business support and events in Otago, a region world-famous for its wine production and natural beauty
To make a booking, please email your Connected centre
Digitally connecting you with business support and services available to all industry sectors across Otago and Southland.
The Southern Business Growth and Support Virtual Conference is brought to you by Connected.govt.nz and DigitalBoost.co.nz, to connect you with business support and services available, to all industry sectors across the Southern region. Join as many sessions as you’d like, to hear about the offerings provided by the agency presenting.
Register today to find out more.
When: Tuesday 24 May - Thursday 26 May
Tuesday 24 May
12pm - 12.45pm
Connected - Connecting you to support for your business and Regional Business Partner Network - Supporting your business to recover and grow
1pm - 1.45pm
Kuma - Bringing Māori people together to enhance their individual and professional and business success
2pm - 2.45pm
Digital Boost - Helping your business move into the digital world
3pm - 3.45pm
Amotai - Unlocking opportunities for Māori and Pasifika businesses through supplier diversity
4pm - 4.45pm
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise - Helping New Zealand businesses to grow internationally
Wednesday 25 May
1pm - 1.45pm
Southland Business Chamber - Here to inspire and influence business, and promote, support and encourage sustainable, profitable business growth
2pm - 2.45pm
Great South - Helping your business to grow, innocate and make big things happen.
3pm - 3.45pm
Business South Inc - Providing specialist and tailored business support to help Otago and Southland organisations to succeed and thrive
4pm - 4.45pm
Queenstown Chamber of Commerce - Helping you grow your business. Support to make your business visible.
Thursday 26 May
1pm - 1.45pm
Ministry of Social Development - Work brokerage, financial support and more for you and your business
2pm - 2.45pm
Inland Revenue - Here to support you, whether you’re new to business or need some help to get on the right track
3pm - 3.45pm
Employment.govt.nz - An introduction and update to your rights and responsibilities as an employer
4pm - 4.45pm
Business.govt.nz - Tools and expert advice from government and industry, designed to help kiwi businesses
Find out more and register (external link)Get free in-person advice from a professional career expert in Queenstown, Wanaka, Alexandra and Dunedin.
Career experts can help you to:
Spaces are limited, so email to book your spot.
Alexandra
When:
Thursday 19 May
Thursday 9 June
Where: MSD Service Centre, 57 Tarbert Street, Alexandra
Queenstown
When:
Friday 20 and 27 May
Friday 10 and 17 June
Where: Queenstown Connected Centre, MSD Service Centre, Ground Floor, Building 11, Remarkables Park Town Centre, Frankton
Wanaka
When:
Thursday 26 May
Thursday 16 June
Where:
Wanaka Community Hub, 34 McDougall Street
To book your spot in Queenstown, Alexandra and Wanaka, email connectedqueenstown@msd.govt.nz
Dunedin
When: Every Wednesday, 10am - 3pm
Where: Connected Centre, 265 Princes Street, Level G John Wickliffe House, Dunedin
To book your spot in Dunedin, email connecteddunedin@msd.govt.nz
Your opportunity to explore the exciting and rewarding careers available with the construction and operation of the New Dunedin Hospital!
You will have the opportunity to meet and make connections with employees from a range of sectors, who will be available to speak to you about recommended career paths, training opportunities and planned recruitment.
This interactive and informative Careers Fair is hosted by Workforce Central Dunedin and My Next Move.
When:
Friday 27 May, 9 am - 3 pm (High Schools only)
Saturday 28 May, 10 am - 3 pm (Open to the public)
Where: Otago Taieri A&P Showgrounds, 320 Gordon Road, Mosgiel, Dunedin
Find out more (external link)Are you interested in gaining a trade qualification?
Southern Group Training is looking for people interested in gaining a trades qualification in the Dunedin and Queenstown areas.
Apprenticeships are currently available in:
Southern REAP and QLDC are running a free computing training session where you will get help to create a CV and cover letter.
When: Wednesday 29 June, 10am - 12pm
Where: Queenstown Memorial Hall, 1 Memorial Street, Queenstown
Email info@reap.co.nz to register as spaces are limited
Do you want help to make your job application stand out from the crowd?
Southern REAP is offering personalised CV advice and will work with you one-on-one to create or update your CV.
Sessions must be booked in advance and are delivered via Zoom, Skype or phone.
Appointments cost $10 and you will receive a digital copy of your new CV on a USB stick.
When: Tuesday 9am or 10.30am; Thursday 1pm or 2.30pm
Book your appointmentInterested in a career in Tourism or Hospitality? Don't miss the Go With Tourism Expo.
Delivered in partnership with New Zealand Careers Expo, this free event is not to be missed if you’re in need of work or study inspiration.
Where: Dunedin Town Hall, Moray Place, Dunedin
When: Thursday 2 June, 9am - 3pm
All welcome and registration not required.
Not sure about your career or study path? Come along to the free NZ Careers Expo.
Meet with a wide range of employers, industries, and education and training providers all under one roof.
Where: Dunedin Town Hall, Moray Place, Dunedin
When: Thursday 2 June, 9am - 3pm
How many job adverts mention 'must have a driving licence'? Spoiler alert - a lot!
www.drive.govt.nz (external site) is a fantastic free resource available to help you prepare for your learner, restricted or full driving licence test. It can also help friends/family that are supporting you to be better instructors.
Learners Licence
The all important first step to getting behind the wheel. www.drive.govt.nz (external site) offers a free interactive road code and official practice tests so you will know when you are ready to ace your test.
Restricted/Full Licence
Free app and instructional videos so you can master the right skills (instead of your parents bad habits), prepare and know what to expect on test day.
If you need help to access driving lessons then contact your closest Connected office and we can help put you in touch with services in your local area. connecteddunedin@msd.govt.nz or connectedqueenstown@msd.govt.nz
Are you interested in work in one of New Zealands primary industries?
New Zealand has long been known as the land of milk and honey but there are a lot of other paths your career could take if you step into the primary industries. Take the careers quiz (external site) to get an idea of where you could fit in!
Even if you have never worked in any primary industry your transferrable skills can open many doors and the team at Primary ITO will help to match you up with the right training pathway and employer to get you where you want to go.
Register your interest today.
Find out more and register (external link)Enhance your self-confidence and personal life skills to re-engage with your community and get ready to re-enter the workforce.
This free course is delivered one-on-one and can be tailored to your needs but sessions can include:
The Positive Lifestyle Programme is run by the Salvation Army in Queenstown and Alexandra.
To find out more, email hine.marchand@salvationarmy.org.nz
Looking for other work? Check out Find a Job, Work and Income’s recruitment website.
Find a Job is for anyone looking for work – you don’t have to be on a benefit. If you find a job you’re interested in, contact Work and Income to be put in touch with the employer.
Visit Find a Job (external link)Improve digital skills and build your online confidence.
You’ll get hands-on experience with useful digital tools that you can take straight back to your work, as well as the chance to collaborate with a friendly and encouraging community of learners.
If you are interested in this and more courses check out The Mind lab(external site) (external site) .
You may also qualify for a scholarship to cover any course costs.
Are you a Māori wahine wanting to start your journey to self-employment?
This 3 day online wānanga is designed with you in mind. Māori Women's Development Inc has designed the course to support your pathway towards a successful business.
You will complete 80% of your business plan, gain new business skills and a network of like-minded wāhine to support you on your journey.
When:
Friday 10 June - Sunday 12 June
Where: Online
Cost: $29.97
Find out more and enrol (external link)The 4Trades programme assists young people into apprenticeships and helps to address Otago’s need for skilled and qualified workers in the trades sector.
A charitable trust, 4Trades offers comprehensive support for businesses and their apprentices.
It helps with compliance costs, payroll processing, responsibility and risk, HR and performance reviews.
Find out more (external link)Pakihi offers a free, online short course that enables whānau to realise their potential in business
Whether you are a new business or have an idea you want to turn into reality this free, online course is for you. This kaupapa Māori course is designed to help your business move forward, flourish and succeed. Pakihi will provide you with new skills, a growth plan, mentoring and connections with other business support organisations and networking with other Māori businesses.
Next intake is in May, so sign up today.
Otago Polytechnic Community Learning Centre offer free, short courses to upskill in the digital and pre employment space.
The Community Learning Centre offers a positive and encouraging learning environment. All learning is self-paced so you can integrate your study into your daily routine.
Flexible delivery allows you to complete your learning online or at the Dunedin Centre where you will have access to their computers and experienced facilitators if you need guidance or support.
Short courses available include:
Where:
Mosgiel Community Learning 7 Hartstonge Avenue, Mosgiel
South Dunedin Hub - 199 Hillside Road, South Dunedin
Find out more email Jacquie.hayes@op.ac.nz or
More details (external link)The Regional Apprenticeship Initiative (RAI) supports apprentices and their employers in a range of sectors, with priority given to the construction, primary, manufacturing, engineering and wood processing industries.
The scheme, which is provided by Aukaha in Otago, allows up to $32,000 to an employer per apprentice, which includes a wage subsidy aligned to the Apprenticeship Support Programme.
There is extra funding to help with business support and pastoral care, so employers and apprentices can maintain the apprenticeship.
This funding can be used to provide equipment, tools, clothing and other expenses related to staff training and upskilling.
Find out more (external link)Mana Rangatahi is a youth development programme (18-24years) focused on re-establishing life skills and aligning these with life, career ambitions and related skill pathways for youth in Otago.
The foundation of this programme is ‘Ko wai au? Who am I? framework’ which allows you to unlock your cultural identity, ambitions and natural capabilities to identify your pathway forwards:
INNOV8HQ are based in Dunedin but as the programme is delivered via online and in person sessions this is fantastic opportunity for young people throughout Otago.
Register your interest (external link)Literacy Aotearoa offers free courses to help you take charge of your life by improving your reading, writing and maths skills.
Class sizes are kept small to make sure you get the help you need to succeed.
Queenstown
Adult Literacy, Language and Numeracy classes are taking enrolments now.
To register your interest in any of these Queenstown based courses email - info.c10@literacy.org.nz
Dunedin
The following course are available:
To learn more about Dunedin courses, get in touch Phone: 477 2055, or email info.c10@literacy.org.nz
Find out more (external link)Are you a Supervisor, Manager or just want to learn Health & Saftety 101? The Otago Polytechnic have free online Health and Safety Courses available now.
While onsite health and safety can feel a bit like a chore, it is something to take seriously to protect your team and business. In 2020, 3,873 injuries occurred on construction sites in New Zealand, which resulted in more than a week. Learn how to protect yourself, your team and your business.
Find out more and register for the course (external link)Whatever level you’d like to study at, you can find a course to suit you in Otago.
Click on the link below to find the field of study and type of qualification to interest you. Qualifications range from certificate level 1-3 to doctorates.
Pakihi offers a free, online short course that enables whānau to realise their potential in business.
Whether you are a new business or have an idea you want to turn into reality this free, online course is for you.
This kaupapa Māori course is designed to help your business move forward, flourish and succeed.
Pakihi will provide you with new skills, a growth plan, mentoring and connections with other business support organisations and networking with other Māori businesses.
Next intake is in June, so sign up today.
Find out more and apply (external link)Federated Farmers and MSD have joined to provide support to encourage farmers to hire NZ employees who are new to the sector.
Many New Zealanders jobs have been impacted by COVID 19 and they are looking for new opportunities. This initiative aims to bring potential employees and employers together with a mutually beneficial support scheme.
Provided all eligibility criteria are met the new employee receives a starter kit of farm gear and ongoing pastoral support, the employer can receive a wage subsidy to assist with training costs for the new employee.
Advertise your role free of charge to New Zealand Job Seekers via Work and Income's Jobs during COVID website (external site)There you will reach people whose jobs have been impacted by Covid-19 and are a registered job seekers.
Once you find the right candidate register with Federated Farmers and they will sort out the rest.
Find out more (external link)The National Association of Women in Construction is hosting a free session around breaking the bias in the workplace in Queenstown.
Open to all this will be a fun and interactive presentation which explores unconscious bias and the impact it has on your wallet, your health and your future.
When: Thursday 26 May, 6pm - 8pm
Where: Queenstown Events Centre, Joe Oconnell Drive, Frankton
Start Up Queenstown Lakes are now offering their Kick Start programme free of charge if you live in the Queenstown lakes region.
Complete the self-paced 10 course modules online and ondemand.
The 6-week programme is delivered online and focuses on how to:
Once you have completed the course book a free call with the Start Up Queenstown business mentors.
Sign up and get started (external link)Enterprise Dunedin is offering a free half-hour business clinic.
Whether you’re a start-up, an established operation or a self-employed worker, you can get support from Enterprise Dunedin’s Business Clinic.
The confidential one-to-one clinic offers:
Bookings are essential for the business clinic, which is available on weekdays.
Find out more (external link)Queenstown NZ has partnered with the Southern Wellbeing Trust to roll out GoodYarn.
GoodYarn is a peer-delivered mental wellbeing programme to support the local small business community.
For more information, or to register your company's interest - email: workshops@southernwellbeingtrust.org
Find out more (external link)Funding is available for expert advice and support to scale-up your tourism business to prepare for the border reopening.
There are three initiatives from MBIE to support eligible tourism businesses in the Queenstown Lakes District through their recovery:
Eligibility guidelines and information to help you prepare for your application are available online.
Your business will need to be registered with Otago Regional Business Partner Network who will support you through the application and eligibility process.
Find out more (external link)Inland Revenue seminars provide a wide range of information for people who are already in business as well as those considering a move to self-employment.
In the Introduction to Business seminar, you can learn about different types of business structures, record keeping, and how income tax and provisional tax work for businesses.
In the GST Workshop, you can understand who needs to register for GST, how to register, how to keep records and how to file GST returns.
All in person workshops are currently on hold but don't worry you can watch pre-recorded webinars.
Find out more: webinars (external site)
Find out more (external link)Make an appointment to visit your local Connected centre to find out about how government agencies can help you find a job, training or business support.
Queenstown
MSD/Work and Income Employment Centre
Ground Floor, Building 11
Remarkables Park Town Centre
Frankton
Queenstown 9300
Dunedin
MSD/Work and Income Employment Centre
John Wickliffe House in the Exchange
265 Princes Street
Dunedin 9016
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