If you're looking for a career change, then the Canvas Careers Expo, on today from 9am to 3pm at Trustpower Arena, Baypark, could be the perfect spot to find it.

Hosted by Priority One and The Rotary Club of Tauranga, the expo has the most comprehensive showcase of employment and training opportunities on offer, all under one roof, with over 60 exhibitors packing out the arena.

Rotary Club of Tauranga Organiser, Sue Boyne, says with our record low unemployment rate in New Zealand right now there are a number of businesses at the expo actively recruiting for staff.

'This expo isn't just for students considering their career options after they've finished their schooling. For adults considering a career change, there's the chance to come and connect with some of the region's leading businesses and maybe even find a new job.”

Thousands of students from across the region have started flocking through the expo and connecting with tertiary, trades, and businesses as they explore their career options.

Running from 9am to 3pm today and tomorrow, Priority One's General Manager – Workforce and Policy, Greg Simmonds sees the expo as a platform to showcase career pathways and the skills employers are looking for.

'Tauranga is growing quality jobs across a huge range of sectors. Canvas Careers Expo helps to profile work opportunities in the region and the training pathways to get there, by bringing together local and national training institutes alongside a range of the region's leading businesses to showcase employment pathways. For adults, there are opportunities to explore a change in career, upskill and make vital connections with local employers.”

Sue says the expo also allows students to get some clarity on their dream career.

Photo: Supplied/SunLive.

'Many students who attend are not sure what they want to do when they leave school, which is not surprising as there are so many exciting and diverse career options out there. This expo provides an energising and informative platform for them to really solidify their thinking by getting to engage with industry sectors and understand if they have the right skills for a particular career.”

Exhibitors this year include Universities and vocational training providers from across New Zealand, as well as businesses and industries such as the NZ Defence Force, Media and Design, the Kiwifruit sector, Building and construction, Tourism, Local and central Government, Engineering, Law, Agri-tech, Health and beauty, Māori business, Fishing and infrastructure sectors.

Sue says the expo is about creating opportunities. 'In the past we have had students who have come along, chosen their training institute and, at the same time, been able to connect with a local business that results in them having the connections to secure summer internships and potential inroads to a full-time job at the end of their studies.”

Photo: Supplied/SunLive.

We'd strongly encourage parents and whanau to attend with their kids to help them make the most of the opportunity to connect with such a large number of employers and training providers,” says Greg.

The Canvas Careers Expo is free to attend and runs from 9am – 3pm today, August 13, at Trustpower Arena Baypark.

For more information on the expo, career opportunities and resources go to www.canvascareers.co.nz

See what else is happening in and around Tauranga below:

Art in the Park
Original art for sale. Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui. 9am - 4pm. Weather permitting. Tauranga Society of Artists

Bay Singles Social Group
Join a bunch of over 50's young singles. Weekend dinners, pot-lucks, occasional outings. Have a go! ph Delia 027 284 8762, Andrea 021 133 0313

Beth-El Messianic Family
Celebrate Shabbat (Sabbath) as did Messiah Yeshua (Jesus), his disciples and early believers. All welcome. Otumoetai Primary 10am or FaceBook Live 11am. Joel 021 76 8043 info@bethel.org.nz

Greerton Hall Market
MARKET Listing content: Last Saturday of each month. 8am-12pm. Stalls inside/outside. Discounts for charity groups. Refreshments at kitchen. Phone/txt for site. Tricia 075431487/ 0279082952, www face-book.com/greertonhallmarket

Grow On Shed Open
Cheap Seeds and seedlings and free gardening advice. Open every Saturday 9.30-10.30 am. Down the side of the Katikati Community Centre 45 Beach Road.

Justice of the peace
The Crossing Shopping Mall 2 Taurikura Drive Saturday 10am-Noon

Otumoetai Tennis Club
Adult tennis. Start time 1.30pm. Bellevue Park Windsor Road (adjacent to swimming pool). New players and visitors welcome. Ph Victor 027 577 1818 a/hrs

Papamoa Table Tennis Club
Saturday Club session for all ages and abilities, 2pm to 4pm, Papamoa College Gym. Adults $5, Students $4 Ph John 021 038 6025

St Stephens Jigsaw Library
Every Saturday 10-12noon 100-2000 piece puzzles to borrow. Hire for 2 weeks a variety of 500 jigsaws. Please wear masks and bring vaccine pass. Cnr Brookfield and Highmore Trc

Taijiquan and Qigong
Sat & Wed 9:00 a.m. free Taiji / Qigong group. Kulim Park on beach by big rock. All welcome. Ph Petro 021 751 665

Te Puke Scottish Society
Dance, Saturday, 20th August, 7.00-10.30pm, Memorial Hall, Jellicoe Street, Te Puke. Great music, air conditioned hall, raffles, light supper. Entry $7, contact Valerie 573 7093

Watercolour Workshops for Beginners
Join Wanaka based artist Jo Jago for fun & relaxing watercolour workshops 12-21 August in Tauranga/Wahi call 021-234-8855 or email jojagoart@gmail.com for more info.

Welcome Farmers' Market
Come visit this vibrant and WELCOMING market! At Changepoint Church, or on the first Saturday of the month at Faith Bible College. 9am-1pm Saturdays.www.welcomefarmersmarket.co.nz