The FutureForce® Team
By young people, for young people
Maddie works on FutureForce® Careers hub, building and designing the website, interviewing young people and helping the team write content. She also helps plan events and travels around the region for career expos. Maddie is also studying a Bachelor of Business at the University of Waikato.
Jasmine helps us get FutureForce® to you through maintaining the website, making videos and interviewing young people. She is passionate about providing tautoko for our young people – watch this space to see how! Jasmine is also studying a Bachelor of Business at the University of Waikato.
Tumu Whakarae
Smart Waikato Trust Tumu Whakarae (Chief Executive) Mary Jensen (BBS AcED) leads the team behind FutureForce® Careers Hub. Her advice to young people thinking about their career is… don’t panic!
“There are several pathways to a great future beyond school. This can be work, or work and training, or education then work, or self-employment, or contract work. So long as you are doing something, you will be okay!”
Our Whaea
As Smart Waikato’s Relationship Manager and FutureForce® Editor Sally Birch (NZ Cert. Journalism) talks to Waikato Employers on an almost daily basis.
“What are Employers looking for in rangatahi? Young people who are keen to learn, who show up on time and who always do their best. Attitude is everything!”
Anna Allison (BA, Grad Dip Tchg) co-ordinates FutureForce® content and project manages Smart Waikato’s endorseMe® Employability App, where rangatahi and their teachers and mentors can check out their employability strengths and weaknesses.
“Many young people are surprised at what they have to offer a workplace aside from formal qualifications.”
Te Tiamana
Julian Williams (BSoc. Sci), of Ngaati Makirangi and Waikato iwi descendent, is Smart Waikato’s Te Tiamana (Board Chair). Julian encourages Waikato rangatahi to get amongst it by exploring FutureForce® Careers Hub, talking to employers, creating networks and getting plenty of work experience.
“E ngaa rangatira mo apoopoo, kaua e whakamaa. To our leaders of tomorrow, dont be shy. If you’re keen to work, employers are keen to hear from you! Tama tuu, tama ora; tama noho, tama mate kai. Be active and live, sit idle and you will not gain anything.”
