JOBS IN THE COMMUNITY

BACKGROUND

Our work and workplaces are not the same as they were 60 - 100 years ago. The introduction of technology, industrialisation, social and market forces have completely changed our work, and the way we work. As a result, new jobs have been created while old jobs have disappeared. Other jobs are now able to be done by women or men.

This topic covers some of the popular jobs in communities across Aotearoa New Zealand, jobs from the past, and some potential new career areas in the future.

Jobs in the community —Part 1

Ambulance drivers, electricians, and farmers play an important part in our community. This story covers essential jobs in our community and the role they play in keep our communities safe and operating. 

Jobs in the community — Part 2

Mechanics, police officers, and veterinarians play an important part in our community. This story covers essential jobs in our community and the role they play in keep our communities safe and operating.

Jobs in the community — jobs from the past

This story reflects jobs from early colonial New Zealand. Some jobs like the chimney sweep, stoker, and rag and bone man no longer exist.

Jobs in the community — jobs in the future

What are jobs going to look like in the future? This story covers some popular career areas like the environment and information technology where jobs will be in demand.

INTERESTING JOB STORIES

JOB ADVERTISEMENTS 

WHAT'S THEIR JOB STORY?

This story was curated and compiled by Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa | National Library of New Zealand, Services to Schools staff, December 2020.

1932 - THE GREAT DEPRESSION WAS THE 'OUT OF JOB' YEAR

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Use our Services to School lending service to order these books and other related topics associated with jobs in the community.

PICTURE BOOKS

Finding kindness by Deborah Underwood, 2019 (primary).

Hardworking puppies by Lynn Reiser, 2006 (primary).

Hey, wall: a story of art and community by Susan Verde, 2018 (primary).

On the town: a community adventure by Judith Caseley, 2002 (primary).

Our community garden by Barbara Pollak, 2004 (primary).

NON-FICTION

Community helpers then and now by Bobbie Kalman, 2014 (primary). 

Our community center by Lisa J. Amstutz, 2020 (primary).

People who help us by Rebecca Rissman, 2008 (primary).

Places in my community by Bobbie Kalman, 2010 (primary).

Show me community helpers by Clint Edwards, 2013 (primary).

OTHER RESOURCES

careers.govt.nz — is a New Zealand government website that has profiles of over 400 jobs, including what the job is about, the skills and knowledge required and what you can expect to be paid. 

Connecting school and community — the role of support workers employed by the Ministry of Education to support new migrant students in our schools.

EPIC — Look for any job by doing a search for 'engineers, teachers, or doctors'' to find more about how they help us. Recommended databases: Britannica School and Gale in Context: Elementary. School login may be required.

The four 'E's — this Edtalk is about teachers in the future who will be engineers, ethicists, entrepreneurs and environmentalists. 

Otago farmers foster healthy streams — South and West Otago farmers learn ways to improve the water quality of their streams through local catchment groups.

Reviving Pukekura Park — Jack Goodwin takes over the responsibility to restore the overgrown Pukekura Park in 1949 to the New Plymouth community. 

The story of a store — is a film that documents the promotion of the Hays Department Store in Christchurch in 1949.

Zoo jobs: Meet an endocrinologist — Find out what this job is all about from this video from Smithsonian Education.

TEACHING AND LEARNING RESOURCES

Community helpers — a lesson plan to help children identify different types of helpers in the community and explain how their jobs benefit the community. 

Community helpers and jobs — cross-curricular lesson plans and videos to understand jobs and careers in science, arts, public service, engineering, medicine and technology. 

 Land girls, overalls and killing knife — this teaching resource explores how in the 1940s women traded their fancy frocks for overalls and farm work.

Matching people with their careers — students match jobs with places in the neighborhood.