Baking business gives unemployed fresh opportunity

Baking business gives unemployed people fresh opportunity

A thriving arrangement between Manukau Institute of Technology and Cowell’s Pavlova franchise in Otahuhu has resulted in nine jobs for MIT students. In turn, the participants, who have all been through MIT’s Employment Programmes, have given the business the capacity to supply the region with up to 1000 pavlovas a day.

Business owners David and Leah Down are delighted with their workforce comprised of Tongan, Samoan, Iraqi, Thai, Indian and Maori workers. “We’ve seen some amazing transformations with people coming in so shy and quiet then gaining confidence in their skills and becoming part of the group dynamic,” says David.

The institute’s Employment Programmes offer training opportunities for motivated unemployed job seekers from non-English speaking backgrounds, and are often the first port of call for new migrants with other candidates referred by Work and Income or family contacts. The 18-week programmes range from Employment Skills English to Preparation for Trades and Preparation for Modern Apprentices with content covering workplace expectations, health and safety, numeracy and literacy and work experience placement.

But there’s more to it than that says Jim Barnes, head of Employment Programmes. “We help people with all the nuances they need to be aware of as they enter the workforce – if you don’t understand something then ask for help, help other people in a group, if you see that someone is trouble, keep away. We support people as they explore options and teach them to work with their strengths.”

Jim is always on the lookout for participants with excellent attendance records who he can recommend to employers as keen and reliable.

“Cowell’s Pavlovas have offered us an excellent community partnership. While the business needs workers it also feels a social responsibility to reach out to people who need to be given an employment chance.

“They’ve invested and that investment has paid off. They’ve offered full time permanent work to nine people, but others we have sent in to cover busy periods leave with a reference that will help them find other food manufacturing and baking roles. They’ve provided a stepping stone.

“The benefits to them are the chance to assess employee potential with all candidates being given an initial trial period. They also get workers with a high level of enthusiasm. It’s a feel-good thing for their company.”

Leah Down agrees that the investment has been repaid with staff loyalty. “We’ve also built up such a great rapport with Jim. He has gone above and beyond and, when necessary, he has arranged translators and helped us with things like cultural or family protocol. As a small business, it’s great to have that support. When we need more workers he’s the first person we call.”

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