Training for Good - May 2023: Māori and Pasifika learner support, Youth Week, Opportunities for cleaners and more

Welcome to the May 2023 issue of Training for Good - the Careerforce newsletter for our learners. This month we're sharing how we're supporting our Māori and Pasifika learners. Next week is 'Youth week' and we're taking this opportunity to recognise the fantastic work of all youth workers. We're also putting the spotlight on cleaners, and remind those of you working in the cleaning sector that there can be real opportunities for career progression if you’re keen to take on the challenge. You may wish to read Anna Gerretzen's story below.

This newsletter is all about you and how we can help support you to achieve your qualification. It’s also about celebrating success. So if you have any stories you would like to share for our next newsletter, please get in touch.

How we support our Māori learners

Our Rōpū Taupuhipuhi Āmio / National Mobile Support team provides options for kanohi-ki-te-kanohi (face-to-face) kaupapa Māori approach support through wānanga mahi and noho marae. As needed, we will provide extra support to any ākonga (learners) and ngā kaiaromatawai (assessors) in working with the Te Ao Māori unit standards. >>Find out more

How we support our Pasifika learners
Careerforce has a team of Pacific staff who understand the needs and demands of our Pacific learners. We run Talanoa (open discussion) sessions, and face-to-face and online fono (workshops) with a focus on empowering and engaging our Pacific learners to feel supported in their learning. Through our Pacific Coordinator, we offer assistance for all who are learning in the workplace. >>Find out more

With a background in journalism, his first role in his new country was as a reporter, but a desire to work with youth, inspired a career change. He landed a support worker role with Pathways, the mental health, addiction and wellbeing services provider, and later became a youth worker at ‘Real’, the youth brand at Pathways. Bruno successfully completed his Mental Health and Addiction Apprenticeship, and has now finished his Youth Work Apprenticeship with support from Pathways and Careerforce.

For me it was an amazing opportunity. They don’t really have this kind of thing in Brazil. You study while you work – it’s a great idea and makes total sense.”

This is a reminder that it is a breach of the Privacy Act for personally identifiable information to be used in assessments.

Learners must not disclose real names or personal identification of any person in their assessments except to their assessor during verbal discussions. Assessor notes about discussions will also protect the details of any person. Similarly, confidential details about the employer, other staff or the workplace must be protected.

In instances where workplace reports or other documents are used as evidence to support an assessment, it is essential that this is done with the full knowledge and support of the employer, and that any identifying details (e.g. person’s name, NHI number, area where they live, unusual conditions/illnesses, family connections) are removed or blacked out before being submitted for marking. Any assessments where such identifying details have not been removed or blacked out will not be accepted, and will be returned to the learner for resubmission.

Your original words, is a free Careerforce resource that helps you focus on ensuring that your assessment is your own work.

Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else’s work as your own. In assessments this is seen as answers that have been copied in part, or in full, from the learning material. For assessment to be authentic, apprentices must show their own knowledge and skills.

Careerforce doesn't allow copying or plagiarism. Copying answers from the learning material doesn't demonstrate knowledge or understanding and is not valid or authentic evidence.

This short resource helps you to consider ways to ensure that you provide original work and avoid plagiarism.

Cleaners who previously never thought they would have the chance, now have aspirations of realising their full potential via business ownership. Cleaning Franchise company, Paramount Services, is supporting its staff to progress from cleaners to successful business owners.

Paramount Services National Franchise Manager Stella Blake is passionate about training. “Most of our cleaners haven’t grown up in an environment where there might be opportunities for scholarships, or to gain a tertiary qualification. But now there’s a pathway, and a real career opportunity,” says Stella.

“I think it’s wonderful for them to know that they can start off with just a part time cleaning job, do a Level 2 qualification in cleaning and then one day own their own business.” >>Find out more

Become a workplace observer – This could be an opportunity to step up and take on more leadership responsibilities. Talk to your Team Leader or Manager if this interests you.

Become a workplace mentor/buddy – support and guide your colleagues as they embark on training programmes that you have previously completed.

Check out our 2023 prospectus to consider further programmes
Take a look at the 2023 prospectus to see all our programmes. You'll see the many qualification pathways available for the sectors we support. >>Find out more

It's important that we hold up to date contact information in order for us to connect and provide updates on your training progress. If you have recently changed home address, contact number or email address, then please let us know by submitting an email
to info@careerforce.org.nz

If you are leaving your employment or wish to withdraw from your training, then
please let us know by completing the “Training Agreement Termination” online submission form which can be found at the Careerforce website here

Tip: We suggest you check that all completed work has been assessed and reported by your assessor before requesting your training to be withdrawn. You can do this through iportal if you are a registered user or contact us on 0800 277 486.

Keep up-to-date, and read more inspirational stories about your fellow Careerforce trainees, follow or like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/careerforceNZ/

If you’re having some challenges with your training, ask your assessor or employer for some advice. If you think Careerforce can help, do get in touch with us.
Careerforce.org.nz/contact-us/

Careerforce enrolled trainees who are going through a tough time can now access a free counselling service, available throughout New Zealand, from the professional employee assistance provider Vitae. careerforce.org.nz/counsellingforlearners/