Careers Expos has launched an app to connect those seeking career advice with exhibitors and partners at the events and nationwide.

The use of the app via mobile technology provides a communication channel to assist visitors to the Careers Expos with important decisions on career paths, study options and employment. The app compliments the Careers Expos events and the magazine that is distributed to schools, at the event and via the website.

An exciting function of the app is the built-in chat feature that effectively creates a forum, turning the resource into a virtual expo. The app also contains information such as time, location, a list of exhibitor profiles and seminar times. Users attending the Careers Expos will also be able to use a QR code reader to register with exhibitors and receive follow up information.

Exhibitors, who include universities, training providers, industry organisations and large employers, will be able to use push notifications to connect with users. The Expo organisers are looking to expand the digital offering to create an online community and resource hub.

Held in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton, the Careers Expos attract over 35,000 people each year, including over 30,000 students from over 300 secondary schools. Partners at this year’s events are the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, Careers New Zealand, and MediaWorks.

Mark Gillard, Director of the Expos, is hoping the app becomes a popular resource for anyone around the country who is seeking answers to career advice questions.

“Beyond the young people and their parents who make up the largest demographic of visitors at our expo, being mobile and instant I expect the app will have wider appeal.”

“I envisage anyone seeking careers advice and even careers advisors will find this as a useful tool. For instance a school careers advisor in Westport might source expert answers for one of their pupils, even though they aren’t attending the expos.”

For further details visit www.careersexpo.org.nz, with the Careers Expo app free to download from itunes or Google Play.