Work'n it Out for parentsAs a parent you play a vital role in supporting and encouraging your teenager to realise their potential. Some teens struggled in school and left with few qualifications; others may have done alright but still left unsure what it is they really wanted to do. No or little work experience can make it tough for teenagers to get their first job. How It Works Work’n it Out is a free service assisting teenagers who’ve left school and are unsure of their next step. It helps them achieve their work, training or study goals by assessing their needs, skills, and aims; then providing advice and support to reach these. Our Contact Centre staff phone school leavers in the Timaru, Waimate, Mackenzie, Otago, Central Otago and Southland area to offer support under an agreement with schools. If teens don’t need help, we’ll ask to keep in touch every six months or so till they reach 20. If they do need help – we’ll provide the best support we can. Support may be provided through our Contact Centre, or by experienced Youth Co-ordinators. These co-ordinators work with school leavers who need extra help, developing an individual career plan which may include -
Youth Co-ordinators also identify other organisations that can help transition school leavers into a positive future. This may mean a referral to another organisation that provides services Work’n it Out doesn’t offerlike counselling, drug and alcohol treatment, family work etc. Referrals to Work’n it Out can be made by anyone; a parent, teacher, a Work and Income case manager, a community organisation or by the teenager themselves. Work’n it Out is also supported by a number of community and government organisations. If your teenager hasn’t been contacted by Work’n it Out, but needs help contact us on 0800 500 029, txt 0294 500 029, or email contact@wio.co.nz A Job in High Places When Shayne Warburton was referred to Work’n it Out in March 2007 he had a few NCEA credits and a keen desire to get a trade and become a builder. Within a few weeks Work’n it Out assisted him into him into a Roofing apprenticeship. With the help of Work’n it Out Youth Co-ordinator, Tony, Shayne identified employment options in different sectors and put together a CV. Through his networks, Tony approached local company C J Turner Roofing. The company was looking for an apprentice so he arranged for Shayne to start on a trial period. Within a month Shayne was offered an apprenticeship. Shayne gives a lot of credit to Work’n it Out for helping to find him a job and supporting him along the way. “Work’n it Out really helps” said Shayne “They give you choices, ask you what you would like to do, they listen and find the right thing for you.” Employer, Chris Turner, says that Shayne has had some “ups and downs” during his employment, but that together they have worked through them. “He’s willing to try anything and is extremely punctual which is refreshing for a young fellow.” C J Turner Roofing employs three staff including Shayne. Chris Turner says he would consider looking for more staff through Work’n it Out in the future. Shayne has big plans for the future which he said may well involve starting his own roofing company. Letter from Pleased Parents Dear Tony Just a note to thank you very much with your help in finding Shayne a job. We first heard of Work’n it Out when a friend mentioned you were helping her son (who now has a job). I told Shayne then that if any-one phoned offering help to find a job, to definitely say “yes”. Shortly after Shayne got your phone call, he met with you a few times and we were very surprised when not too long after you had arranged an apprenticeship as a Roofer for Shayne. We are really appreciative for all your help you have given Shayne and never imagined Shayne would gain an apprenticeship. He would never have done it alone. He had put his name down at a number of places for a job, and even now months later he hasn’t heard from any of them. I would imagine without your help he might still be looking for a job. Once again Tony, Thank You. Sincerely |
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