Kawerau work experience programme celebrated
3 December 2014
STUDENTS involved in a Kawerau work experience programme were celebrated on Thursday and presented with an opportunity to spend three weeks on an Outward Bound course.
The programme was facilitated by Industrial Symbiosis Kawerau and recognised eight students on Thursday afternoon at Kawerau District Council.
Each student was presented with a certificate of achievement.
Students were presented with an opportunity to attend a three-week Outward Bound course at Anikiwa.
Course costs are sponsored by Outward Bound and the New Zealand Community Trust, however, the students must pay for travel to and from the Marlborough Sounds.
Industrial Symbiosis Kawerau workforce development group chairwoman Deanne Butler said the work experience programme was the first step toward bridging the gap between employers and potential employees.
“Most young people in Kawerau don’t have the opportunity to visit mills and other industrial workplaces now as access is restricted for health and safety reasons,” she said.
“The programme was designed to be as realistic as possible, with students responding to an advertisement, completing an application form, undertaking an interview and agreeing a contract before starting.”
Most students needed to take part in a health and safety course as part of their induction and the programme was designed to give students a taste of what jobs the industry had to offer, she said.
Kawerau Social Sector trials co-ordinator Faylene Tunui provided mentors to support students and families.
She said the programme acknowledged that interest and encouragement shown by whanau was invaluable to help students adapt to the work environment.
Source: Whakatane Beacon