Whakaahu Whakamua – Employability Skills Programme
We are proud to partner with MSD to deliver the Whakaahu Whakamua Employability Skills programme. Whakaahu Whakamua means to head towards the future.
Whakaahu Whakamua was developed to āwhi (assist, help, support) word-ready adults looking to join or re-join the workforce into sustainable careers.
We run this programme across Te Tai Tokerau, from Kaitaia to Whangarei.
Our staff are dedicated to their work, and passionate about supporting our ākonga (learners), into discovering more about themselves, their capabilities, growing their confidence, and securing mahi that they enjoy.
We run our Whangarei course from our Hannah Street office. Additional programme locations are selected across Dargaville, Kerikeri, Kaikohe, and Kaitaia.
Unlike most employability skills programmes available to adults, we understand that people need support outside of the classroom. That is why we provide wrap-around pastoral support to all ākonga for six months after our course. This support gives every ākonga the greatest chance of long-term success.
Whakaahu Whakamua consists of 4 weeks of employability workshops followed by pastoral care support. Workshops are based around the soft skills that industry employers look for in new staff. Pastoral support is provided for 22 weeks further to ākonga, to assist them to secure and maintain employment.
We believe what works for our Māori learners, works for all our learners. Aspects of our programme focus on Maori culture and whakapapa, as these concepts are useful, inspiring, and educational, to people of all cultures.
Tai Tokerau Trades Training kicked off Whakaahu Whakamua in October 2020. We have already seen success with programme graduates securing jobs they enjoy. Keep an eye out on our website and Facebook page for course updates, exciting news, and video interviews of students.
Whakaahu Whakamua is a unique programme
We focus on ‘soft’ skills – such as communication, resilience and willingness to learn. All of the skills we teach are identified by industry as key skills they look for in hiring new staff.
Our Kaiāko (Tutors) are experienced and passionate leaders, with a genuine care for those they teach.
We know it takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a community to improve employment opportunities. That’s why we connect ākonga (learners) on our programme directly with industry.
Once ākonga finish the four weeks of in-house workshops, they’ll be supported by our qualified social work staff (Kaiarataki/Navigators) for a minimum of six months.
We’re with our ākonga and our employers every step of the way, to awhi them through the challenges of employment and training.
Our strong networks across Tai Tokerau mean more opportunities for those that come through our programmes.
Interested in this course? Contact admin@4ts.nz for more information and course dates, or contact your MSD Case Worker.