Opening doors to employment

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With the goal of supporting members of our community with their work aspirations, the Workwise team in Auckland set about designing a new employment programme for LinkPeople, a sister entity within the Wise Group.

This was delivered as a five-day programme in May, empowering people in LinkPeople’s Housing First and Rapid Rehousing programmes with skills, confidence and support.

The Ready to Work programme guided participants through workshops on self-assessment, CV and cover letter writing, interview preparation, job searches and direct engagement with employers. This was a hands-on, practical initiative aimed at building confidence, and helping people stay positive and feel supported in taking meaningful steps towards employment.

“We were really pleased to partner with Workwise to provide this pilot for our people we support. It’s an amazing opportunity for our kiritaki to engage in effective and practical courses that will hopefully lead them to work or meaningful activity,” said Tony Tietie, LinkPeople Auckland Team Leader.

For Workwise, it demonstrated how we can build on the foundations of Housing First by adding on employment support as a natural extension. By learning from LinkPeople’s existing Rental Readiness programme, the team was able to replicate the successful engagement approach and offer a new programme focused on employment.

How was the programme created?

Workwise employment consultants co-facilitated a range of topics such as AI tools, interview skills, CV and cover letter writing, approaching employers, and developing an elevator pitch. The programme covered specific skill areas so that participants could become self-sufficient and confident in seeking employment opportunities on their own. This included going out and meeting with potential employers in the area.

Workwise made sure that participants had plenty of one-on-one time with an employment consultant, based on their needs, abilities and employment goals.

“It was uplifting to see our partnership with LinkPeople in action. It was important for the participants to see us working together, giving them a sense of faith that they’re not alone.” – Tania Nixon, Workwise Team Leader.

Cameron’s story

Cameron recently relocated to Auckland from a rural town, where he had sporadic employment doing farm work, which wasn’t easy to find in the city. Being able to provide for his children was a big motivator for him. He needed support to get his life back on track and financially support his family again. Since completing the programme, Cameron had a job interview which was successful, and started a part-time role in horticulture.

The employment consultants were helpful, respectful and very understanding. My experience in this programme has made me more confident in job approaching and preparation for job interviews. – Cameron

Workwise is thankful for support from Auckland City Mission for care packs and food items, supporting the wellbeing and dignity of our participants throughout the week; and Common for interview and formal clothing, to help participants feel confident and prepared as they take steps towards employment.

Workwise is keen to replicate this programme in other locations and see it grow.

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Pictured: Cameron being encouraged by his housing case worker from LinkPeople’s Housing First team.