Workforce
ISK supports the Kawerau industry with training facilitation, recruitment assistance and employee development programmes.
Improving the workforce for the benefit of the businesses and the community.
This concept was identified as a need by industry and involves
ISK formed a partnership with the Eastern Bay Primary Health Alliance to provide workplace counselling to participating employers. The concept of this initiative is to catch those who may be vulnerable before things get serious and, having workplace visits, is reducing barriers of access for employees and “breaks the ice”. The Alliance team has a triage service – they assess need and (together with the employer where appropriate) work out a plan for those employees that need ongoing support. If you are interested in becoming part of this initiative, please contact us.
Employers within these clusters meet quarterly to share experiences and solutions to challenges. This is to support apprentices throughout their tenure. The initial focus of these Clusters was to establish local study groups for all apprentices to support all stages of their study. These groups will also incorporate pastoral care and provision for numeracy/literacy instruction where required.
Generations of workers in the community and wider region have been connected to Kawerau’s industrial complex since the establishment of the Pulp and Paper industry in the 1950’s, yet there is now high youth unemployment and a surprisingly low level of understanding of the range of careers and opportunities available.
Pathways need to be practical for the students, connected to actual industry operations, accessible for motivated students and provide early pre-employment training in subjects that would lead to fulltime work. ISK is working with Tarawera High School, the Tertiary Education Commission, Ministry of Education, NZQA and industry to connect education with industry. This will provide a programme of NCEA units to deliver an Industry Entrance Qualification and a student pipeline into employment.
One way that ISK does this is through it’s CareerLink. An online platform built around employment in Kawerau.
Employers are able to have their industry staff trained in Kawerau for less money and effort than before. Find out more by clicking below.