A Mua Ake – for the future
A new program addressing employment preparation at Springboard will better equip and empower the young people for successful and independent living.
A Mua Ake means 'for the future' in Te Reo Maori, and is the name of the new Employment Preparation at Springboard which focuses on equipping and empowering young people for successful and independent living. Their purpose is to see each young jobseeker (between the ages of 18 to 25 years) thrive by overcoming the challenges that hinder their progress towards a better future. These challenges may include anxiety, low self-confidence, poor communication skills, or a fear of commitment. Additionally, many young individuals face difficulty in securing employment due to a lack of work experience reflected on their CVs, which makes it challenging for them to enter the job market.
To address these issues, A Mua Ake offers an eight-week Employment Preparation course which provides assistance to students in crafting effective resumes and cover letters, preparing for job interviews, and applying for suitable positions.
While the practical aspects of job preparation are crucial, Springboard is driven by a deeper belief in supporting the overall well-being of each individual. “We encourage young people to reflect on fundamental questions such as, Who am I?, Who do I want to be?, and What do I have to contribute?” says Dan Gray, General Manager. “The crux of our program is about building a relationship with each individual; coaching, mentoring, asking questions, listening and giving feedback. We love that we can be in their corner, supporting them as they make this transition into adulthood and our support remains while they are in employment.”
The aim is to create a supportive environment where young individuals can explore their passions, develop self-confidence, discuss personal challenges, acquire new skills (such as at Sheepworld, in the café, or off-site), and recognise the valuable contribution they can make to the community.
Collaboration with businesses that share Springboard's vision and are invested in the lives of young people, play a vital role in helping these individuals achieve their employment goals. These businesses contribute by offering work experience opportunities or providing employment to entry-level workers. By investing in and patiently training young employees, they contribute to the creation of a community where these individuals can belong and find a sense of purpose.
For more information, interested parties can contact Julie.