The event provided participants with opportunities to:

Network - The first hour allowed organisations and kaimahi to connect. This was invaluable for both groups as they often find it challenging to get together due to their busy schedules. They discussed potential placements for students, the possibility of guest lecturers, and connections with industry professionals.

Interact - The second part of the event provided a unique opportunity for ākonga to interact with industry professionals, discussing opportunities for volunteering, placements, and potential job openings. It also gave them a chance to learn about different career paths and make valuable industry connections.

Gain skills – Unitec’s Industry Partnership team assisted ākonga with writing their profiles, CVs, and cover letters, helping ensure they’re well-prepared for future job applications.
 
“WestConnect was a very successful, practical and engaging event with benefits for students and participating organisations alike,” says Sandra Hosking, Unitec’s Community Relationship Co-ordinator.

“A huge thanks to the organisations that helped make the day a success, and all the kaimahi, including the Events and Marketing teams, the Student Central team and of course the Social Practice team, for their awesome support in helping bring this vision to life.”
 
Below is a list of the organisations that participated in WestConnect: 

Agape

Age Concern

Anglican Trust for Women and Children

Auckland City Mission

Citizen Advice Bureau Henderson

Dayspring

Department of Corrections

Emerge Aotearoa

Family Action

Gandhi Nivas

Goodwood Park

The Hearing House

Higher Ground

Hospice West Auckland

Kāhui Tū Kaha

Kaipātiki Community Facilities Trust (KCFT)

Lifewise

Oranga Tamariki

Shakti Women's Refuge Trust

Te Pā

Te Whānau o Waipareira

The Fono

Toi Ora Arts Trust

Unitec - Industry Partnerships

Vaka Tautua

VisionWest

Volunteering Auckland

Walsh Trust Maternal Mental Health