First job fair a big success
Dozens of job seeking ŌCHT tenants learned more about their options first-hand from would-be employers, work brokers and trainers at our very first jobs expo today.
Fueled by positive responses and warm sausage rolls, job seekers thanked employment coach Lyn for coordinating a get together that emboldened many to take the next step in their journey.
ŌCHT tenant Roger said it was great to see so many tenants from across the city mixing and mingling as fellow job seekers, and with employers and experts who could help them get work ready.
Roger knows all about job expos. He recently attended a health workforce expo Lyn had promoted to tenants. He'll start his new job, as an orderly at an aged care facility in Shirley, next week.
“There are good opportunities out there, you just need to know where to look and where to get help if you need it,” Roger said.
“This event is a positive way to help people. I'd say ŌCHT and Lyn, congratulations and thank you.”
Tenant of two years Shannon said the expo was a wonderful opportunity to explore her options as she prepared to get work ready.
She learned more about a raft of courses and signed up to two on-the-spot.
Shannon and other attendees were spoiled for choice by the supports Lyn gathered at the Oxford Terrace Baptist Church.
Training providers including Literacy Aotearoa, Hagley Adult Literacy Centre, Risingholm Learning, Ara and Skills Update were joined by Volunteering Canterbury, Dress for Success and government employment connections service Connected.
ŌCHT contractors Goleman Group and Recreational Services, and placement agencies Hays and Reliance Recruitment added to the mix of 13 organisations keen to figure in tenants' employment futures.
Goleman Group client care manager David Coppard said the expo was a brilliant way to help tenants get work ready while exposing them to real and potentially immediate job opportunities.
Echoing the David and the Hays team, Recruitment Alliance representative Deborah Thomson said she enjoyed discussing options with tenants so clearly keen to find work, or to learn more - or update training or licences - to get work ready.
Volunteering Canterbury outreach manager Glenda Martin was struck by the positivity of the expo: friendly and engaged job seekers were full of great questions and genuine enthusiasm.
Job coach Lyn was thrilled with the day.
“The expo was a great success for the tenants who came along, with some signed up for training and connecting with employers,” Lyn said.
"It was wonderful to see the tenants finding pathways and enjoying the morning tea.
“I was thrilled with the response from both the exhibitors and the tenants and appreciated the help from the Community Engagement Team who helped with the setting up.”
Lyn is here to help ŌCHT tenants looking for work. Call 0800 624 456 to learn more.