Nika's Development from Caregiver to Educator

Nika is loving her new role with Kalandra Education Group (Auckland) and continues to pursue the opportunities that come her way.  

As a lecturer primarily working with international students, Nika, at 21, is the youngest member of the team at Kalandra. 

Over the past four years, Nika has dedicated her time to working and training at our local Woburn Oceania aged care facility, where she completed her Level 4 qualifications in Diversional Therapy and Dementia Care. The supportive working and learning environment at Woburn, particularly under the leadership of Tracy Ivamy, has played a significant role in Nika’s development and preparation for this next phase of her career.This valued contribution was highlighted by Nika nominating the business in last year's inaugural Central Hawke’s Bay Youth Friendly Employer award. 

One constant in the last four years has been the ongoing support from Anna Tennent (Complete Coaching HB), initially part of the pastoral care support contracted by Jobs in Central Hawke’s Bay to ensure our youth get the right support and encouragement as they transition into the world of work. Anna’s caring support from the initial push to apply for a role at Woburn, then the ongoing sounding board and encouragement to continue striving to grow and develop, with Anna’s encouragement, Nika applied for this lecturing position at Kalandra. 

Jobs in Central Hawke’s Bay Lead, Jono Craig is proud of this great example of collaboration between local organisations to get great results for our young people and our community. Connect Driver Licensing support enabled Nika to get her restricted, then full driver's licence. Nika attended the local Apprentice Support Workshop to help her work through the theory component of her training. In Nika’s words, “Central Hawke’s Bay is a pretty special place, everyone works together here. I’m very thankful to Jobs in Central Hawke’s Bay (MTFJ) and Anna for their ongoing support.” 

Her encouragement to other young jobseekers, “Learn as much as you can, keep learning, and keep your options open, you never know what opportunities might arise.” 

Nika continues to pursue the opportunities that come her way. She is currently on the team developing NZ’s first Diploma in Diversional Therapy, has a guest speaker role at an upcoming Diversional Therapy conference, is presenting on international webinars and will be part of developing a Māori healthcare qualification. 

She’s an inspiration to us all, her closing thought, “Make an effort to get know people who are different to you, different ages and cultures – it's a great big world out there!”