Eight people serving community sentences in Tokoroa graduated from a four-week trades programme designed to give practical training, a recognised qualification, and increased likelihood of employment.

The programme, delivered by Vertical Horizonz at Tokoroa Community Corrections, involved 12 days of face-to-face learning, including how to operate a forklift, mobile elevating work platforms, Working at Height, and Low-Level Scaffold, along with a Site Safe Passport and First Aid Certificate.

Upon completion of the work experience hours, participants will receive the Certificate in Construction. The programme is NCEA recognised and provides foundational construction knowledge, so participants can choose to go on to further learning or straight into employment.

A Corrections Employment and Training Consultant (ETC) works with each learner to secure them employment upon completion of the first phase.

Employment and Training Consultant Jaime says, “What sets this course apart from other programmes is that the participants get supported to complete the 338 hours of work to gain the certificate.”

This programme benefits both participants and employers, with one employer at the graduation saying,

“Having these tickets means you get a little bump up the list when we receive your application. But what we are really looking for is dedication, commitment, and hard work. The fact that you are graduating today shows you have those qualities.”

Employment agency Kiwi Staff has been working alongside the ETC to ensure all possible employment support is available to the jobseekers throughout and after the programme.

A few employers have already set up interviews with some of the participants.

Jaime says the programme wouldn’t have been so successful without the support of Tokoroa Community Corrections staff. “From transporting the tauira (students) to and from the programme each day, to preparing cooked meals for lunches. They did it all. One probation officer even had daily check ins with our youth graduate, and the Tokoroa Service Manager got to know each person individually, taking the time to ensure the group felt supported throughout the programme. The entire office organised and attended the graduation, and also prepared the kai for the day. It really makes a difference. Everyone came together to make it work for the jobseekers.”

The Tokoroa team’s hard work paid off on graduation day when graduates spoke about how meaningful the course had been for them: “Before the course started, I didn’t have a reason to get out of bed each day”, said one woman. One of the men said, “Getting these tickets makes me feel like I have a chance. This is my first graduation ever.”

Research has shown that employment makes a significant contribution towards reducing re-offending rates. This programme gives people a stepping stone to a brighter future, and there are plans for it to be delivered beyond Tokoroa.

Waikato Regional Manager Reintegration Services Ann-Sophie says one programme has just finished in Taupō with six participants successfully completing the course, and “A similar programme ran in Rotorua and saw seven participants achieve their initial qualifications. Three of those seven participants are now in employment.

“The programme by Vertical Horizonz is available across New Zealand, at no cost. We have programmes scheduled across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, with one in Matamata starting in October, and programmes in Whakatāne and Hamilton being set up as well.”