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Kate’s Place in Kaiwaka is looking to hold a group-based work readiness course in November to help locals increase their skill base and remove the barriers that prevent them from gaining employment.
Coordinator Kirstie Brown says the Kaiwaka community has some unique challenges due to its geographical location and a history of low employment.
“For someone on minimum wage, even travelling down to Warkworth for work can be cost prohibitive.”
Transport is a major issue and the programme will look to help attendees get their drivers licence, but also to organise group car-pooling where possible.
The programme is for all ages, but youth who have left school and are wondering about what opportunities are available could particularly stand to benefit.
“Helping them to understand what is expected is a big start, and we can potentially be an intermediary with an employer and help to solve problems.”
Kirstie says there is also a gender imbalance when it comes to finding gainful employment in the area.
There are outdoor physical labour or truck driving jobs readily available for men, but for a woman who might have children it can be more difficult to find full time work, she says.
“I want to start a discussion about women in rural communities. Are we paying them enough and giving them good hours?
“If mum has a reasonable income she can more effectively run a household and provide more for her kids, including extra activities such as sport. Employers need to understand they have a social impact.”
There are large agricultural and industrial employers in the area providing ideal opportunities for employment that require less travel.
“We want to start a conversation with local employers to understand what skills they are looking for in an employee,” Kirstie says.
Part of the work readiness programme is to help attendees figure out where their interests are and match them with opportunities to upskill – whether that’s a computer course or a course at Northtec.
“There are opportunities on the horizon with an injection of funds from the Provincial Growth Fund, which could benefit local people seeking employment, if we can provide people with the training needed. With support and transport solutions there is a better chance of people being able to sustain long term employment.”
“With the Puhoi to Warkworth motorway set to be completed, new industries might also look at establishing themselves in our area and could offer a range of employment for our youth in IT and business management.” The programme is scheduled to start in November and run through to Christmas.
Anyone living in Wellsford, Kaiwaka or Maungaturoto who would like to know more, should phone 431 2661.
Donations are also welcome at givealittle.co.nz/org/katesplace
