NZ Red Cross: Pathways to Employment programme for former refugees
"Finding employment is a key part of the resettlement process. It gives former refugees financial independence and also offers them the opportunity to use their skills and contribute back to their community." - NZ Red Cross
Recognising this, the country's Red Cross runs a Pathways to Employment programme that helps former refugees plan their employment, education, training and career goals and ultimately find work. Its services include:
- Helping to plan employment and career goals
- Assessing skills, including English language skills
- Referrals to English or vocational training opportunities
- Assisting with the writing of CV's and cover letters
- Helping make appointments and get interviews, as well as coaching on interview skills
- Finding work trials and work experience
- Encouraging employers to employ people from refugee backgrounds
"Our clients have a wide range of skills and experience. Former clients have found employment in an array of sectors, from engineering to hospitality," says Red Cross on its website, adding that a former refugee seeking employment or an employer who has an available position, can contact Melanie Douglas in Christchurch at 03 339 3750 ext 3554 / 0274 036 058 or melanie.douglas@redcross.org.nz
As Dunedin is also resettling refugees now, the contact there is Jarrah Cooke at 03 477 1527, Jarrah.Cooke@redcross.org.nz
Nationally, people can contact Claire Speedy at 021 228 2061 or claire.speedy@redcross.org.nz for other enquiries.
