A joint English Language Partners and New Zealand Red Cross initiative in Nelson is giving former refugees the freedom – and employability – of being able to take to the open road. One of the first things Luis Godoy will …
Problem Do you explain something or give instructions only to find half an hour later, that no one is doing what you asked? Do health and safety near misses go unreported? Do you sometimes hear the sound of crickets instead …
Our Work Talk course has helped many new migrants to get a ‘foot in the door’ – and even land their first NZ job! As Napier woman, Joanne Song says: “After that course, I had a new way of thinking.” …
CAL ISUZU in Hamilton is New Zealand’s number one Isuzu truck dealership. They employ 76 staff; some required to do specialist work to keep the big rigs on the road. Workplace English skills are an important part of the role. Umesh …
While New Zealand’s welcome for refugees is warm, our nation’s employers are less inclusive when it comes to offering jobs to newcomers from other countries. With persistent reports of skills shortages by employers, and a government commitment to increasing New …
An apprenticeship is an excellent way for new migrants to enter the New Zealand workforce, earning while they learn on the way to a recognised trade qualification. Some building and construction apprenticeship applicants struggle to get into or complete a …
Former Myanmar refugees are learning new skills and English on the job with a Nelson insulation company. “Hi, I’m Johnsy Johnsy. I’m from Absolute Energy and I’ve come to install your insulation.” The greeting is simple, but it shows how …
Business owner Paul Brockie has been impressed with the skills of his Burmese staff, but says their English needed a little work so that his customers could have the same confidence. Paul, who owns Absolute Energy, an insulation company in Nelson, …
English Language Partners is one of five national organisations calling for more support to improve workplace English in New Zealand The organisation assists businesses and migrant staff with their language training needs, and Chief Executive Nicola Sutton says recognising the …
When he came to New Zealand, Yaro Panfylov couldn’t speak English. It was in Poland that he began to work in joinery and construction. Yaro wanted a trade that he could use anywhere in the world. The 33-year-old is not afraid …