Work experience programme with trades supporting Manawatū

More than 30 people facing barriers to employment in Manawatū have completed a pilot work experience programme, led by Switched On Housing trade partner Pro Industries. 

Working on social housing properties alongside Pro Industries, participants in the programme gain hands-on experience in trades such as fencing, landscaping, property maintenance and arboriculture. They also complete a one-day course in safe chainsaw handling, earning a certificate of competency. Additionally, participants undergo a comprehensive on-site induction, learn about health and safety practices, update their CVs, and develop their interview skills. They are then supported in connecting with businesses seeking apprentices or entry-level workers.

Managing Director of Pro Industries, Jason Kennerley, was inspired to start the programme after successfully running work experience and education programmes in Australia for many years. He has seen first-hand the difference it can make to a person's confidence and job-seeking ability to have up-to-date experience on their CV and the skills to engage in interviews.

Jason has so far employed four of the work experience programme participants after seeing their potential. He's also seen another participant move into architecture study after engaging in the programme, and connected several people with interviews or further work experience opportunities across Manawatū.

His aim is to formally expand the programme into other trades businesses, and Switched On Housing is supportive of the expansion, providing a platform for trade partners to connect and collaborate on initiatives that will benefit the wellbeing of the local community.

Jason has also created an education enterprise Whakaako to provide education and work experience opportunities across a variety of industries in the Manawatū. He wants to fill the gap for people who aren't ready to engage in longer training programmes and need some support and skills to take their first leap into a role. He works with 'all-sorts', facing barriers, from rangatahi seeking their first work experience, to older people who are being over-looked for roles.

The initiative aligns with Kā te Rama Switched On Group's impact pou focused on diverse workforce development alongside local trade businesses, by providing a pathway to employment for those who face barriers and need to develop the skills and confidence to succeed in the job market.