Te Māhuri Aids Youth Employment

Karlos approached Jobs in Central Hawkes Bay looking to get into a mechanical trade. Aged just 15, he had already worked in both painting and construction, but following his interest in motors outside of work, meant this was the industry he really wanted to pursue.  

Camille Le Lievre, Jobs in CHB Employment Coordinator first met with Karlos and was impressed with how he presented and his drive to work. “He was polite and seemed to know which direction he wanted to head in. He knew school wasn’t for him, he wanted to be out working doing something hands on.”  

She then approached Robby Smith at Stevenson & Taylor to discuss placing Karlos into a Te Māhuri work placement. “There is always a risk for an employer taking on someone so young with no experience. They are really relying on our word a lot that this is worth investing their time into. Robby is a very open-minded employer and is willing to give anyone a shot who is hardworking, so he is the first person I approached”   

Karlos was placed into the Tractor Service Department, working on tractors, excavators, and general farm machinery. After 6 months and the work placement wage subsidy ending, Karlos is still employed at Stevenson & Taylor and thanks to an excellent team culture and quality mentoring, is thriving.  An apprenticeship in Heavy Diesel Engineering Level 4 is on the horizons.  

Karlos said he has learnt heaps and Robby has been great to work for. Robby is also pleased with how the placement has worked out.  

“The financial support through the Te Māhuri work placement reduced the financial risk of taking on Karlos and it’s been great to find a young man who has a bit of drive to work!” 

23 May 2023

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