New Talent At No Cost - Opportunity For Employers

29 October 2002

Media Release

New Talent At No Cost – An Opportunity For Employers

The Auckland Regional Chamber of Commerce is extending its Newkiwis initiative and looking to help Auckland employers uncover hidden talents.

Michael Barnett, the Chamber’s Chief Executive, says they are launching a second work experience programme for new immigrants following the success of a similar scheme earlier in the year. “We are offering employers the opportunity to provide work experience to new immigrants for four to eight weeks in the traditionally busy period that most businesses experience in the run-up to Christmas. We can help employers get the right people with the right skills, and I’m sure many will uncover hidden talents in the participants.”

The initiative costs employers nothing, and is a joint venture between the Chamber and the Department of Work and Income.

Michael Barnett says the scheme allows new immigrants to get a feel for the New Zealand work place and see ‘kiwi’ culture. “All our business surveys of members tell us they are having increasing problems finding skilled staff. Here’s an exciting opportunity to take on board a highly skilled person who may well fit into their work force later on a permanent basis. This was certainly the outcome on a number of occasions when we initiated the scheme earlier.”

The base Newkiwis scheme is centred around a web site that lists new immigrants who have registered and looks to match them with businesses wanting staff. More than 3,000 have listed and over 90% are tertiary qualified. In total, 377 ‘New Kiwis’ have found permanent employment through the scheme.

ENDS

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