Collaboration all GO! Next STOP: traffic management

Skip Winikerei, a 17-year-old Takapau local, has secured his first full-time job in traffic management for Centralines.
After leaving school Skip was given the opportunity to complete traffic management training, a programme organised and funded by Te Taiwhenua O Heretaunga (TTOH). The training sparked Skip’s interest in the industry and he went on to complete his NCEA Level 2 credits at Capital Training. Keen to enter into the workforce but with no experience, Skip connected with TTOH youth coach Tracey Davies, who suggested he enrol in Work Ready Tamatea (WRT), to develop the skills required to secure employment.
Skip began WRT in October 2023, a 10-week programme focused on developing the seven key employability skills employers across all industries say they look for: self-management, thinking skills, a positive attitude, communication skills, teamwork, resilience and a willingness to learn. The programme comprises a mix of voluntary work, work experience and in-class learning. It was originally developed through the national organisation, Youth Employability Aotearoa and has been adapted by Jobs in Central Hawke’s Bay to be delivered locally. The programme has been delivered twice in Central Hawke’s Bay, with Skip taking part in the second programme.
Through Ange, our Youth Transitions Coordinator, who was coordinating this WRT programme, Skip connected with Scott, the team leader for traffic management at Centralines. There he completed work experience while completing the WRT programme, which led to an employment offer from Centralines. Scott is an advocate for employing local youth and believes “offering young people their first full-time job gives them the opportunity to learn how to work.” Skip is enjoying his time in traffic management and says, “it’s good to be doing something I enjoy and making my own money.” His goal is to save up to purchase his first car.

14 February 2024

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