Work Ready Tamatea – A pathway to employment

On October the 25th Mayor Alex opened our pilot Work Ready Tamatea programme, working with nine young people on a pathway to employment. Using the License to Work training material that focuses on developing the seven key employability skillsthat employers say they want: Positive attitude, Willingness to learn, Communication, Thinking skills, Teamwork, Resilience & Self-management. Alongside voluntary work, life skills, career exploration and work experience.  

The 6-week course was well supported by members of our local Skills, Training and Employment Network, providing specialist support and adding value to the course. Thank you to CONNECT Driver Safety & Licensing, Complete Coaching HB, HB Community Law, CHB Budget Services, Capital Training, EIT, Nga Ara Tipuna and TeTai whenua O Heretaunga for the support they provided.Weekly fitness sessions at Hans Healthy Fitness Gym with Tori helped to build healthy habits and resilience. 

We were also able to volunteer with a number of great local organisations, Rotary River Pathways, Food Basket, CHB Food Bank, Sport HB and Epic Ministries,we arethankful for these learning opportunities. 

Thanks also to the local employers/businesses that offered opportunities for our participants to explore work and find something that suited them, Craigmore – Springhill Orchard, Jono’s Garage, Mitre 10 and Mumma G’s. We also had a number of other businesses who offered other opportunities we didn't take up this time, hopefully we can take advantage of them in the future. 

The Work Ready Tamatea class of 2022 has exceeded expectations with 7 of the 9 participants securing ongoing employment.Congratulations on achieving your License to Work! 

Course Facilitator Jono Craig said “I am really impressed with this group of young people; they have come together, built strong connections and invested their time and energy in growing and learning through this course.” 

Jobs in Central Hawke’s Bay will continue to provide pastoral care and support to the participants as they transition into full time employment. 

“The Work Ready Tamatea course has helped me to build the will to get out and get involved, this had led to me getting my learners license and a job!” - Zak (Course Participant) 

“I’m so proud of everyone who took a chance on trying this programme and is now licenced and ready to work!" Mayor Alex 

Our next course will start in the first quarter of 2023 and is open to 16-19 year olds in Central Hawke’s Bay not currently in education, training or employment. Our hope is to build up the License to Work as a locally recognised credential that will give employers confidence in our youth workforce. 

For more info or to register your interest contact Jono 027 258 0633 - mtfj.coordinator@chbdc.govt.nz or Ange 0273167277 - youthtransitions@chbdc.govt.nz