Job hunt success through MSD hub

MSD regional commissioner Karen Bartlett at the Gisborne Jobs and Skills Hub. Picture by Liam Clayton

Dozens of people have found employment and dozens more started training through the Tairāwhiti Jobs and Skills Hub, and the Ministry of Social Development says that is just the beginning.

The Tairāwhiti Jobs and Skills Hub opened in October last year. It was designed as a one-stop shop, dedicated to providing the community with employment opportunities in construction and infrastructure, as well as training and upskilling.

“It’s great to know the Hub is working, and that more people are working because they came in for a visit,” MSD Regional Commissioner Karen Bartlett said.

“We want job seekers in Tairāwhiti to keep coming in to talk to us, and encourage their friends and whānau to do the same.

“We also want employers who need staff to contact us and discuss how the hub can help them find the right people. We have a steady stream of job seekers coming in, so it’s a great way to find motivated new hires.”

Since opening, staff at the hub have placed 38 people (mostly youth) into employment with more than 20 different employers.

Recent successful job outcomes include skidder operating, traffic management, truck driving, drain laying, and roofing.

Hub staff have also organised 48 training and upskilling opportunities, which can then lead directly to jobs or apprenticeships.

Recent examples include Fulton Hogan cadetships, and supporting EIT graduates to connect with fully paid 12-week training programmes with a local building company.

The hub has also helped people access support with licensing, First Aid and access to workplace health and safety requirements.

“After Cyclone Gabrielle there’s a huge need in Tairāwhiti for people who can help repair and rebuild,” Ms Bartlett said.

“We need people who can do anything and everything, from repairing damaged fences to fixing up pipes and roads.

“The great thing about this is that construction is big business for New Zealand, so if we can get people trained up and into jobs in the sector, we’re also getting them into careers.”