Unsung education heroes thanked by AUT
Being the interface between students and the outside world and mentoring young people during some of the most turbulent years of their education is a crucial contribution made by Careers Advisors at schools across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Professor Damon Salesa, Vice-Chancellor of Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makaurau (AUT) thanked a group of these educators at a recent on-campus event.
“I acknowledge you as mentors, educators and guides who provide an interface for our young people. You create powerful relationships that enable the power of education,” said Professor Salesa.
He noted that COVID-19’s impact continues to be felt across the education system, where it has amplified existing inequities even further.
“Many of the fundamentals of education – at all levels – were challenged and the impact of the pandemic will be felt by students for at least a decade.”
Providing opportunities to anyone with potential, regardless of their background or circumstances is a key focus for AUT and ensuring young people understand the opportunity to grow their talent is a key part of the work of Careers Advisors.
“Like you, we know talent doesn’t look the same, think the same, dress the same. As New Zealand’s most diverse university, AUT is focused on ensuring all our young people have access to the social and economic mobility education provides.
AUT’s position as the university of opportunity – for students from every socio-economic level, every ethnicity, from all colours of the rainbow, and with a wide range of ages and life experiences – make it unique.
As New Zealand’s only university of technology, AUT is also focused on challenging its students and preparing them for a world of uncertainty.
“The impact of technologies such as generative AI, the profound shifts in our global economy global socio-politics, and the impact of climate change are all things young people will and are grappling with. We are focused on making sure they have the tools to do this.
The Vice-Chancellor explained that AUT’s approach goes beyond ‘chalk and talk’ to ‘learn the thing, do the thing’ and this gives AUT graduates a distinct advantage.
He acknowledged the challenge for Careers Advisors and all educators due to the uncertainty about what jobs will look like in the coming years.
“Emergent jobs and sectors are impacted by forces ranging from Tik Tok to AUKUS. These represent radical departures from the status quo.
“I believe one of the educational challenges will be that the lifelong learning long signalled in our national curriculum, will be a necessity rather than a choice.
“People won’t learn once, and AUT is well positioned to support their talent and aspirations at any stage or change in their career journey,” he said.