EIT Tairāwhiti’s latest winning tender brings with it new jobs and some exciting opportunities for those who have struggled to find work.

The 3 year Training for Work Programme contract, which started in July, is helping 124 students annually – 32 from Gisborne, 38 from Wairoa, 32 from Hastings and 22 from Central Hawke’s Bay – who can’t get work because they’re missing necessary training.

Individual learning plans are created for each student, covering a blend of theory and practical that matches their skills and aspirations with the needs of employers to see what they need to help them secure employment.

Campus director Jan Mogford says the programme is giving a real boost to those in need, and filling some gaps left by the cut in introductory-type programmes last year.

The new contract covers learning centres in Waipukurau, Hastings, Wairoa and Tairāwhiti, with one new learning facilitator position established at each site. The wide range of subjects EIT Tairawhiti is accredited to teach mean those on the new programme can cover everything from food safety to computing, chainsaw operation to tractor driving, or first aid to driver licencing.

To be part of the 13-week programme, people must be referred by their WINZ case manager