Having made finding employment to help support his whānau a priority this year, William Aro-Avatea (pictured) approached youth services provider Solomon Group for some guidance.
One of seven Tupu Aotearoa providers, Solomon Group is one of the largest organisations in New Zealand assisting young people to gain the right skills to find employment.
Already existing in the wider Auckland region, Tupu Aotearoa – formerly known as the Pacific Employment Support Service – has expanded into Manawatū-Whanganui, Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions thanks to the support of the Provisional Growth Fund.
The Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP) initiative empowers Pacific young people, aged 15 to 39, to enhance their skills, kick-start their career prospects and earn a good living, as well as providing employers with the skilled and motivated talent they need.
Tupu Aotearoa and Solomon Group helped guide William to securing a full-time role at Primero Profiles Limited – a large manufacturing company specialising in sheet metal cutting services.
The 2018 Head Boy of Southern Cross Campus in South Auckland suburb of Mangere East, was initially contemplating full-time study to be an Electrician when he left school before deciding earning money for his family was more important at this point in time.
Solomon Group Director of Public Funding and Delivery John Connell says he provided William with information on Electrical Training Company programmes.
“William also responded well to the employment coaching he received and was confident when communicating in interview scenarios,” John adds.
“Employment opportunities were sent to William and he was able to secure an interview with Primero Profiles Limited for a Production Assistant role based in Mount Wellington.
“William impressed the panel during his interview and was offered a full-time position starting in January.”
Feedback from Primero is he has a positive attitude and strong work ethic, John adds.
“William has the potential to progress towards other leadership roles and has become an integral staff member of the team.”
William says he is enjoying the challenge of working at Primero, and he would like to become a Team Leader there in the future.
Since its launch in 2010 as the Pacific Employment Support Service, more than 2,200 Pacific young people have accessed the service, with nearly half being been placed into work.
Its success has been considerable, and it has laid the foundations for MPP to meet its vision of thriving, prosperous Pacific communities.