Wondering how to kickstart a fulfilling career in New Zealand’s civil infrastructure sector? With various careers events spread over 2025, it’s a great time to explore opportunities, connect with industry professionals and discover your entry point into this dynamic field.

Just around the corner is the TechStep NZ Careers Exploration Day at the University of Waikato in Hamilton. Scheduled for 31 March, this interactive event is designed for rangatahi from Year 10 to Year 13 and promises the opportunity to get hands-on with the latest technology, speak to industry leaders and explore what a STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics) career could look like.

Whether you’re making decisions on subjects to choose or you’re ready to begin exploring career pathways, the Careers Exploration Day is designed to offer inspiration and practical guidance. Email TechStep NZ to find out more or to secure a spot for your school.

The Porirua Careers Expo is being held at Te Rauparaha Arena on 13 May. This event exposes students to a diverse range of career and education pathways and offers the opportunity to make personal connections with industry representatives and ask questions directly to the people who might one day hire you.

There’s heaps of other exciting careers experiences happening across New Zealand to check out, from careers fairs hosted by universities, to careers kiosks hosted by Inzone and a range of regional events hosted by CATE and Tahatū Career Navigator.

Girls in Infrastructure, a groundbreaking initiative now in its sixth year, invites young women in Years 12 and 13 to discover the world of civil infrastructure through immersive, hands-on experiences where they can see the real-world application of their studies in action.

Participants will step onto active construction sites, operate heavy machinery, and connect directly with industry professionals who are eager to share their journeys. Registrations are now open for four events on 10, 12, 17 and 19 June in the North Island.

Making the most of careers events

Civil Contractors New Zealand Workforce Development Manager Rebecca Fox says students who approach careers events with a sense of curiosity get the most out of them.

“Go with an open mind and be prepared to have conversations with people you haven’t met about things you might not have heard about before, as well as topics that you’re already interested in.”

Rebecca also advises students to do their homework before attending events.

“Students can talk to their parents to discuss job options, narrow down roles they’re interested in, and then speak to their careers advisors and do some further research themselves.”

Rebecca’s top tips to prepare for careers events:

• Understand what motivates you by taking the time to think about what types of work are likely to give you job satisfaction – whether it’s making a positive impact on communities, delivering environmentally sustainable projects or leading teams.

• Review your subject choices and ensure your current subjects align with your career aspirations. Many students discover they need to adjust their course selections to better prepare for desired roles, so it’s smart to adjust early.

• Think about how you plan to talk to potential employers about the skills you have, what motivates you and your relevant experience for a job. A little preparation can go a long way to help you communicate clearly what you can offer.

• Use the Careers Roadmap to explore the range of roles available in civil infrastructure, which showcases different entry points and career progression paths.

• Create a skills-based CV. Even without extensive work experience, a skills-based CV that highlights your personal attributes and life skills can make you stand out to potential employers.

By approaching careers events with preparation and an open mind, students can make the most of the opportunities that careers events offer, Rebecca says.

“These career events provide a unique opportunity to see the industry up close, develop meaningful connections with employers who are actively looking for fresh talent, and discover pathways into civil infrastructure that students might have never considered.

“They are invaluable stepping stones for young people. In just one day, you could find a career that will challenge and inspire you for decades to come.”