Jobseekers in the fast lane for new event

A Fast Track Job Match jobseeker chats with staff from the Adecco Group in a one-minute interview. Photo / Supplied

It's a little like speed dating but instead of looking for love, Fast Track Job Match participants were looking for employers and employees for their perfect match.

The pilot event was held at Toll Stadium last Thursday, having been organised by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and Whangarei District Council (WDC). It was supported by the Mayor's Taskforce for Jobs with 13 local employers and 72 MSD jobseekers taking part.

MSD's Northland Regional Commissioner Eru Lyndon said Work and Income was willing to do things a bit differently to find jobs for people.

"Fast Track Job Match is the beginning of a new approach to this process and a great example of how powerful we become when we partner with the community and other organisations," he said.

Employers were briefed about their part in the exercise, and jobseekers completed workshops to ensure they were ready for the event, and the job they might secure as a result.

Jobseekers moved from one employer to the next, with one minute to sell themselves as candidates for available jobs. The majority found the exercise helpful and enjoyable, said Mr Lyndon.

Employers took the details of jobseekers they were interested in, and MSD work brokers would now be following up by arranging one-on-one interviews.

Mr Lyndon said the events could be held regularly.

"The net could be thrown wider to include non-MSD clients, youth and school-leavers wanting work, or to target seasonal employers and specific industries," he said.

Whangarei Mayor Sheryl Mai said the exciting collaborative initiative was a first for Whangarei and New Zealand.

"We're on to a winner and I'm confident Fast Track Job Match will put many more people into productive paid employment."