Helping to secure jobs
HLC Employment Programmes — based in Levin, Palmerston North and Lower Hutt — have helped over 700 job seekers into employment over the past three years.
At HLC we put this success down to the approach taken by the staff who run these programmes. As well as teaching participants key employment skills, the programmes also provide assistance with putting a CV together and interview tips.
We also provide free transport from Ka¯ piti and around the Horowhenua region to remove one of the main barriers to training.
Through pastoral care funds we assist with food grants, driver licensing and in getting quotes from Work and Income for work-related clothing.
We are particularly proud of the Building Futures programme developed in partnership with Ministry of Social Development to support sole parents back into the workforce. HLC’s Vision Statement is to “Change Lives through Education and Employment” and this initiative has a major impact on improving participants’ confidence and quality of life through mentoring them into employment.
The programmes have collaborated with a number of businesses in the Horowhenua, Manawatu¯ , Ka¯ piti and Wellington who support participants through work experience placements and then go on to employ graduates.
One is CS Law in Levin which has employed Natasha Matenga. Natasha was a sole parent of a two year old when she enrolled at HLC over four years ago. She always aimed high and when the opportunity to complete workplace training with the prospect of a paid position arose, she grabbed it with both hands. Fast forward to 2018, and Natasha is now employed full time as a Personal Assistant to one of the partners and is looking forward to further developing her career.
Paul McMillian, Regional Contracts Manager Central Region, MSD congratulated HLC on our success.
“Your continued hard work and commitment in supporting people to be better and to participate in employment and skills development (achieved through higher education) results in positives outcome for our community,” he said.
■ If you know a job seeker we can help, call in to see us at 152 Bath Street or get in touch with our team on 0800 368 1095.