In the news
Amped Up for Success: Dean Powers on at J A Russell Ltd
Dean is well past his 90 days in sustainable employment mark, but we wanted to acknowledge business for their great mentoring with Dean.
Dean meet with me (Y2WW) mid 2023 and needed some support to become work ready. I sent him along to the Rangatahi Hustle course in Carterton, that was being run through Rebel Business school through a WEDS (Wellington Economic Development) initiative.
He attended and it helped motivate him and grow his confidence.
We then supported him to apply for a part-time position as an Election voting worker with the Electoral Commission to gain customer service experience and to grow his communication skills.
He completed his contract with Electoral Commission when voting commenced. From there he was now work ready and able to work full time.
After supporting him with his application to J A Russell Ltd, and I prepared him for the interview he got the job and has been working there since November 2023 full time.
During this time he has grown incredibly, proved himself, and impressed the Andy the manager of the store. This in turn has led to 3 bonuses and a pay rise. Dean has now purchased his own car and is ready to do some training in-house to strengthen and grow his skills within the company.
A great success story of how a few small steps and support from great people leads to success!
Working one on one with rangatahi to get the best results for the region.
Pictured: Youth2Work Wairarapa team with Kuranui College students, Rachel Butler-Peck (Kuranui College Careers Advisor)and Carterton Mayor Greg Lang.
Youth2Work Wairarapa has been working side by side with rangatahi to get the best results. Having supported Kuranui Colleges ‘Moving On’ Day in partnership with REAP Wairarapa – the next step was to work one on one with students who are transitioning from school to work next year.
The Youth2Work Team of Kylie Brady, Jenny Gasson and John Roberts work with the students on career paths, how to get into sustainable employment, and investigating further study options. They have a number of tools and work in partnership with the careers advisors to help get students ‘work ready’.
“This is the second year we’ve tried this approach and the one on one work really benefitted the Rangatahi so we just had to come for another year” says Youth2Work Team Leader Kylie Brady.
“It’s been great to see the students already have part-time jobs and are getting vital skills needed in today’s work environment”.
“With COVID-19 less of a focus now, GAP years have been a topic of great discussion amongst the students, with a number opting to defer university to work and save”.
Youth2Work Wairararapa is a programme facilitated by REAP Wairarapa and financially supported by Carterton District Council and The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ). A new agreement was recently signed, with a goal to have another 50 rangatahi into sustainable employment by June 2023.
Mayor Greg Lang is excited about the partnership. “It creates the best possible results for the students, and with the preparation before, and the pastoral care after, it’s built for success. It’s cool to be part of the mahi.”