Despite high youth unemployment and the spectre of AI, teenagers attending the Taranaki Careers and Training Expo this week are optimistic about their futures.

Up to 3000 young people were expected through the doors of the TSB Stadium where education providers and employers were pitching their wares.

RNZ Taranaki Whanganui reporter Robin Martin went along.

Western Institute of Technology barbering student Will Thomas is tidying up a cut when RNZ approaches.

He loved the flexibility of his chosen career path ... but also that the machines weren't coming for his job.

"I think barbering is one of those jobs that AI isn't really going to take over because it's a craft that which you do with your hands.

"It's an artwork really and AI is like a set piece and with barbering you've really got to work with the hair, be creative and adaptability is a big this as well."

Head of Hair and Beauty at Witt, Kellie Divane, said her courses were as popular as ever.

"I haven't seen a robot do a hair cut, I haven't seen a robot paint nails or do makeup yet, so it's still very much a personal occupation where you need to have those kind of finer details and skills to be able to communicate one-on-one."

Taranaki Careers and Training Expo Trust chair, Warwick Foy, said most young people wee taking AI in their stride.

"It's native to them. It's a tool they're not worried about it when in some careers they probably should be, but you know it's all happening so fast no one knows how it's going to go."

According to Stats NZ, the number of 15 to 24 year-olds who were unemployed, not in education or training increased to 13.8 percent from 12.9 percent in the three months ended June.

But Foy said many teenagers had part time jobs and had been shielded from those statistics.

"The best thing that they can do is to just have themselves well placed, so make sure they have a plan, get as well educated as they can, make sure they do something they are suited to and then they're set up to be employed when the economy recovers."

Iclaudius Waipouri was a student at Te Hera Māpara in Hāwera and he thought policing might be in his future.

"Everyone should be a police officer, I'm not going to lie, you know, be a constable. I'm doing this you know where we are whānau."

"I'm 18 I left school sadly and I'm trying to find what benefits me in my life and this stuff here is kind of fun, so I might just be an officer or something like that."

Waipouri was trying his hand at the police fitness test, and constable Aimee Baldwin reckoned he had the goods.

"So, he'd done it originally without the [15kg] police vest and we were like give it a shot with the vest on and he actually jumped just as well so I gave him a card and told him he was just the kind of guy we're looking for."

Meanwhile, New Plymouth Boys High student Joeli Nakuta was looking into higher learning.

"I came over to this booth and I think I might go to uni in Otago and study psychology.

"You know, I've always been told I'm a people person, so just helping out somebody in the future seems like my thing to do."

He wasn't worried about an app taking over that work.

"I feel like for now, year 13s exiting school we'll be sweet.

"I guess AI isn't that advanced just yet. Maybe in another 20 years.

"So, I guess it isn't a problem to worry about right now, but it is definitely something to think about."

Spotswood College student Millie Stonier had been thinking about AI.

"I'm kinda looking at physiotherapy and then possibly getting a certificate in personal training to just complement it.

"I was definitely very mindful when I was thinking of where I wanted to go whether AI would impact it or not."

She thought the key to success remained the same.

"I feel like the opportunities are out there. I think that you just really have to hunt for them and obviously if you've got people that will take you on that's pretty lucky.

"And then once you've got a job keep working hard so you're able to maintain it."

But for now, it was back to school and end of year exams for most of these teens.